The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, at its plenary session on Tuesday, approved the 2026 appropriation bill valued at ₦1.39 trillion, compared to the revised ₦1.65 trillion budget for 2025.
The 2026 budget proposal, which provides ₦354.87 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦1.035 trillion for capital projects, was adopted after the presentation of the report by Dr Itorobong Etim, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.
A motion to adopt the committee’s report was moved by Sampson Idiong (APC), representing Oruk Anam State Constituency and serving as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Assembly. The motion was seconded by Lawrence Udoide (APC) and received unanimous support from members of the House.
Tagged “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth,” Governor Umo Eno had on November 25, 2025, laid the ₦1.39 trillion 2026 budget proposal before the House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
The House had earlier resolved into a Committee of Supply to scrutinise the appropriation bill, after which it passed through its third reading and was approved.
Etim explained that, in line with Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and relevant provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2004, the committee presented the 2026 revenue and expenditure estimates of Akwa Ibom State for legislative approval.
She noted that the committee adopted an inclusive legislative budgeting process, engaging Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Non-Governmental Organisations, and other relevant stakeholders during a public hearing on the budget.
After extensive deliberations at the Committee of Supply, lawmakers unanimously endorsed the report, leading to the formal passage of the appropriation bill.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Udeme Otong, commended lawmakers for their dedication and cooperation, which ensured the timely passage of the budget.
He also praised the Assembly’s management and staff, as well as other stakeholders, for their contributions to a smooth legislative process.
The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to forward the Assembly’s resolution to Governor Umo Eno for assent.
The House subsequently adjourned plenary to resume on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.