Akwa Ibom Assembly passes ₦1.584trn 2026 Budget
By Emmanuel Ntekim
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the ₦1.584 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The budget provides ₦416.59 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.167 trillion for capital expenditure. Its passage followed the presentation of a report by Dr. Itorobong Etim, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.
Moving the motion for the adoption of the committee’s report, the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency and Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Sampson Idiong, received unanimous support from the House. The motion was seconded by Hon. Lawrence Udoide.
Presenting the report, Dr. Etim recalled that Governor Umo Eno had earlier submitted a proposed budget of ₦1.390 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year on 25 November 2025, noting that the figure represented a 16 per cent reduction from the ₦1.650 trillion revised budget approved for 2025.
She explained that following legislative review and adjustments, the committee recommended an increase of ₦194.27 billion, comprising ₦61.73 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦132.54 billion for capital projects, bringing the total budget size to ₦1.584 trillion.
The bill was subsequently considered clause by clause and adopted by the Committee of Supply, presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Udeme Otong.
Thereafter, the motion for the third reading was moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Otobong Bob, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Hon. Nsidibe Akata.
The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to forward a clean copy of the bill to the governor for assent.
Commending the lawmakers, Speaker Otong praised their cooperation and commitment, which he said ensured the timely passage of the budget. He also acknowledged the support of the Assembly’s management, staff, and other stakeholders.
