By Isaiah Eka
The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly at plenary on Tuesday passed the 2026 appropriation bill of N1. 39 trillion against the revised provision of ₦1.65 trillion of 2025.
The 2026 budget proposal, which consists of N354.87 billion for recurrent expenditure and N1. 035 trillion for capital expenditure, was passed following the presentation of the report by Dr Itorobong Etim, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.
The member representing Oruk Anam state constituency who is the Deputy Chief Whip of the Assembly, Mr Sampson Idiong, (APC) moved a motion to receive the report, seconded by Mr Lawrence Udoide, (APC) and supported by the whole house.
Our Correspondent recalls that Gov. Umo Eno had on Nov. 25, 2025 proposed a total budget outlay of N1.39 trillion for the 2026 financial year before the House of Assembly for consideration, which is christened: “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth.”
The House had earlier dissolved into Committee of Supply to consider the 2026 appropriation and subsequently was read the third time and passed.
Earlier, the chairman, house committee on finance and appropriation, Etim (APC) said in pursuant to Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the relevant provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2004, she laid before the House estimates of revenue and expenditure of Akwa Ibom for 2026 for consideration.
She said the committee adopted a participatory approach in its legislative budgetary process where MDAs, Non-Governmental Organisations and other relevant publics were invited to attend a Public Hearing on the budget.
After a Clause-by-Clause deliberation at the Committee of Supply, members unanimously accepted the report and the appropriation bill was subsequently passed.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Udeme Otong, in his remarks, commended lawmakers for their dedication and teamwork, which ensured the timely passage of the budget.
Otong also appreciated the management and staff of the assembly, as well as other stakeholders, for their support and contributions to the successful legislative process.
He directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to communicate the House decision to Gov. Umo Eno for assent.
Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary to reconvene on Jan. 13, 2026.
