Rismadarvoice – 5th November 2025
Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has approved a budget estimate of N1.39 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, reaffirming the State government’s commitment to deepening the gains of the ARISE Agenda and accelerating development across key sectors.
The decision was reached this evening during the enlarged Executive Council meeting held Wednesday, November 5, 2025, presided over by Governor Umo Eno at Government House, Uyo.
The approved budget, now set for transmission to the State House of Assembly, is targeted at boosting agricultural expansion, rural development, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, tourism, social inclusion, economic diversification and environmental sustainability.
Council ratified an upward review of the total project cost of the Aviation Village at Victor Attah International Airport to cover dualization of access roads, perimeter fencing, electrical works, concrete paving and other key infrastructure.
The Executive Council also ratified the earlier FGPC approval for the consultancy, design, procurement, and system integration of world-class broadcast equipment for AKBC, awarded to Dubai-based MediaGuru LLC.
In the health sector, the council directed the immediate deployment of retired health workers re-engaged on contract and ordered the commencement of work on eight general hospitals and 29 primary healthcare centers across the State.
The State Public Health Laboratory and Isolation Centre will also receive urgent attention, while the commissioning of General Hospital, Ukanafun, has been shifted to November 18, 2025.
In a move to regain state assets and strengthen the financial base of Anchor Insurance Limited, the council approved N4.15 billion for the recovery of prime properties previously swapped during recapitalization.
A reputable estate valuer will be appointed immediately, while APICO and AKICORP are mandated to manage and convert recovered assets into revenue-generating portfolios for the state.
Council also reviewed updates on state-owned financial institutions and directed their management teams to present detailed reports at subsequent meetings.
Following a presentation by the Attorney-General, council approved the transmission of three Executive Bills to the House of Assembly, including the Domestication and Harmonization of Taxes and Levies Bill and the State Property Tax Law, in line with the national Tax Act.
Council also received a briefing from Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service on implications of the new federal tax laws for the State.
