The Akwa Ibom State Government on Thursday, November 27, held a detailed media briefing at the conference room of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to analyse the State’s proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill, following Governor Umo Eno’s directive after he laid the budget before the House of Assembly. The briefing, led by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Nsikan Linus Nkan, also featured the Commissioners for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, and Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.
Dr. Nkan announced that the proposed 2026 budget, christened “The People’s Budget for Expansion and Growth,” totals ₦1.39 trillion, representing a 16 percent reduction from the revised ₦1.65 trillion budget of 2025. He explained that the budget is designed to drive expansion, stimulate the economy, and consolidate ongoing development efforts under the ARISE Agenda. According to him, 75 percent of the budget is dedicated to capital projects, while 25 percent is earmarked for recurrent expenditure. He noted, however, that the budget remains open for further review in the best interest of the people.
Providing an overview of the 2025 budget performance, Dr. Nkan recalled that the fiscal year was initially approved at ₦955 billion, but later revised to ₦1.65 trillion. As of the third quarter of 2025, the State had generated ₦897.144 billion in recurrent revenue, representing 108 percent of the target. Recurrent expenditure stood at ₦231.228 billion, while ₦598.981 billion was spent on capital projects. Total expenditure for the period was ₦830.210 billion, amounting to 86.9 percent performance.
On the new proposal, the Commissioner explained that the 2026 budget will focus on strengthening food security, improving rural infrastructure, enhancing internal security, expanding educational access, boosting MSME development, and completing flagship projects across the State, including roads, bridges, aviation facilities, and the Ibom Medical City. He also highlighted plans to expand renewable energy initiatives, streamline tax administration, promote transparency, and deepen youth engagement through development centres in all 31 LGAs.
On revenue projections, Dr. Nkan stated that the government expects ₦1.146 trillion in recurrent revenue in 2026. This includes internally generated revenue, derivation funds, VAT, signature bonuses, and other statutory sources. He added that capital receipts are projected at ₦1.035 trillion, with significant contributions from the consolidated revenue fund, grants, loans, and opening balances.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, commended Governor Umo Eno for presenting a budget that is “clear, people-centred, and economically stimulating.” He noted that the decision to allocate 75 percent of the budget to capital development reflects the government’s resolve to expand infrastructure and improve the quality of life for citizens. He also announced that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Akwa-GIS system will become fully operational from January 2026 to enhance fiscal performance and tighten financial control.
The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, praised the Governor for meeting constitutional requirements in presenting the budget and urged the media to effectively educate the public on how the budget works. According to him, the fiscal discipline demonstrated so far, evident in projects across the State, shows that Akwa Ibom is experiencing purposeful and prudent governance. He also revealed the recent approval upgrading Victor Attah Airport to International Operational Status.
The sectoral distribution of the proposed ₦1.39 trillion budget allocates ₦789.916 billion to the economic sector, ₦305.509 billion to the social sector, ₦268.555 billion to administration, ₦23.738 billion to law and justice, and ₦2.283 billion to the regional sector. The government maintains that the budget will support stronger service delivery, expand opportunities, and sustain growth across Akwa Ibom State.