Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, approving a total budget of ₦1,584,271,856,630 (approximately ₦1.584 trillion) for the fiscal year.The budget allocates ₦416,594,925,850 (about ₦416.59 billion) to recurrent expenditure and ₦1,167,676,930,780 (about ₦1.168 trillion) to capital expenditure, reflecting a strong emphasis on infrastructure and development projects.
The signing ceremony took place during an enlarged State Executive Council meeting at the EXCO Chambers in Government House, Uyo. It was attended by the leadership of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, including Speaker Elder Udeme Otong.
Governor Eno praised the harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative arms, crediting their collaboration for the state's achievements in the previous year. He called on members of the State Executive Council to commit fully to efficient service delivery, stressing that 2026 would be a year of action rather than excuses.
“We all must rededicate ourselves to delivering our tasks promptly and decisively. This year is not a year for excuses. It is a year for action," the governor said.
He urged leaders to "break all barriers, go the extra mile to deliver," and warned against shifting blame, drawing a biblical reference to Saul's failure in leadership.“Let us not be in the company of people who will keep giving excuses.
"The audacity to take decisions for the people resides in leadership. That is why God has placed us where we are in the first place. And so this year, let us understand that excuses will not be tolerated.”
Speaker Udeme Otong commended Governor Eno for his transparency and collaborative approach, noting that over 80% of the 2025 budget had been implemented.
He affirmed the Assembly's continued support, saying, “The House of Assembly is ready to continue collaborating with the Executive, so other people will continue to be happy to have you as their Governor.”
Briefing journalists afterward, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Linus Nkan, accompanied by Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, explained that the original ₦1.39 trillion proposal presented on November 25, 2025, was increased by ₦194 billion following scrutiny and adjustments by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during legislative hearings.
The revised figures raised recurrent expenditure from ₦354 billion to ₦416.5 billion and capital expenditure from ₦1.035 trillion to ₦1.167 trillion.
Dr. Nkan expressed optimism that the budget would drive economic growth and development in the state.During the meeting, Governor Eno also honored Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, with an Award of Excellence as "Commissioner of the Year" for his role in the successful Christmas Unplugged 3.0 festival.
The governor announced a ₦20 million cash prize for Dr. Udofia, ₦100 million for the event's planning committee, and a one-week leave for the commissioner.The 2026 budget marks a significant investment in the state's future, building on the administration's focus on expansion and people-centered governance.
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