By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government has proposed a total budget outlay of N1.39 trillion for the 2026 financial year as against the revised provision of ₦1.65 trillion of 2025 to the State’s House of Assembly for consideration.
Governor Pastor Umo Eno who presented the budget to the House on Thursday, said the budget has expenditure of N354.87 billion and capital expenditure of N1.035 trillion, representing a decrease of 16 per cent from the 2025 revised budget.
Eno said that the total capital receipts and expenditure for the year 2026 was estimated at N1.15 trillion as against the proposed revised provision of N897.14 billion for 2025.
He said that the 2026 Budget is christened “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth.”
The Governor said that the total projected recurrent revenue for 2026 is estimated at ₦1.17 trillion as against the approved revised provision of ₦1.26 trillion representing a 9 per cent decrease in revenue projection for the year 2026.
“For the 2026 fiscal year, recurrent expenditure which is proposed at ₦354.87 billion is made up of: personnel cost N131.15 billion, overhead cost N223.72 billion, total recurrent expenditure N354.88 billion
“The total capital receipts and expenditure for the year 2026 is estimated at N1.035 trillion as against the approved revised provision of N1.22 trillion for 2025.
“A total projected capital receipts shows that N791.98 billion will be transferred from the consolidated revenue fund, while the balance of N243.16 billion is to be realised from other capital receipts,” Eno said.
The Governor said the policy thrust objectives of 2026 budget would be to strengthen food security and sufficiency by expanding mechanised agriculture, small-holder producers and promoting value chains.
He added that income earning potentials of rural households would be enhanced through home farm schemes, provision of access to farm inputs, credit and extension services as well as agro-processing support.
He said that the policy thrust of the budget would also improve living conditions in rural areas, the government would electrify rural communities, upgrade and construct rural roads, and renovate primary healthcare facilities.
“Complete ongoing flagship infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, aviation, health facilities and begin new ones critical for connectivity, trade, investment and job creation.
“Strengthen internal security architecture; including community-based initiatives, digital surveillance and waterways protection to ensure peace and protect lives and property.
“Improve the quality, accessibility and relevance of education at all levels, through equipping of schools, training and re-training of dedicated teachers, expanding ICT capability and facilitating inclusive access for vulnerable groups,” he said.
The governor urged the House of Assembly to expedite action in the passage of the budget so that the government would continue to work for the people.
