By Asuquo Edem
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a ₦1.584 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, approving increased funding for capital projects despite an initial reduction in the budget proposal submitted by the executive.
The budget, totalling ₦1,584,271,856,630, was passed on Tuesday, December 30, following the presentation and adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Dr. Itorobong Etim.
A breakdown of the approved estimates shows that ₦416.59 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.167 trillion was allocated to capital expenditure, reflecting the Assembly’s emphasis on infrastructure and development-driven projects.
The report of the committee was received after a motion moved by the Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency, Hon. Sampson Idiong, and seconded by Hon. Lawrence Udoide. The motion received unanimous support from lawmakers.
Presenting the committee’s findings, Dr. Etim recalled that Governor Umo Eno had, on November 25, 2025, laid before the House a proposed budget of ₦1.390 trillion for the 2026 financial year—representing a 16 per cent reduction from the revised ₦1.650 trillion budget approved for 2025.
However, following legislative scrutiny and adjustments, the committee recommended an upward review of the proposal, increasing recurrent expenditure by ₦61.73 billion and capital expenditure by ₦132.54 billion. This resulted in a total adjustment of ₦194.27 billion and the final approved sum of ₦1.584 trillion.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Appropriate Monies out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund and Capital Development Fund to the Services of the Government of Akwa Ibom State and for Other Matters Connected Therewith,” was subsequently considered clause by clause by the Committee of Supply, chaired by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong.
The motion for the third reading of the bill was later moved by the House Leader, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Hon. Nsidibe Akata, after which the bill was passed.
The Speaker thereafter directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to transmit a clean copy of the Appropriation Law to Governor Umo Eno for assent.
Commending members for their commitment and teamwork, Speaker Otong said the timely passage of the budget underscored the Assembly’s resolve to support effective governance and economic development in the state. He also lauded the Assembly’s management, staff and other stakeholders for their contributions to the legislative process.
The House subsequently adjourned plenary to reconvene on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 12 noon.
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