2026 Budget: Speaker Otong Commends Gov. Eno’s Leadership as Bill Hits AKHA

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as visionary and results-driven leadership as the Governor presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the State Legislature.

Speaking on Tuesday, during the budget presentation ceremony by Governor Eno at the Assembly Complex in Uyo, the Speaker described the annual budget presentation as a key pillar of democratic governance anchored on transparency, accountability, and service, noting that the 2026 budget comes at a crucial time when the Governor’s ARISE Agenda is transitioning “from policy statements to visible and measurable impact across communities in the state.”

He praised the administration’s achievements in health, road infrastructure, education, social welfare, and economic empowerment, particularly highlighting the construction of model schools, ongoing road projects, the Compassionate Homes, and revitalization efforts in tourism and Small and Medium Term Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

“The ARISE Agenda is touching communities, empowering households, and strengthening the pillars of our State’s economy,” Otong stated, adding that the government’s grassroots-centered approach “has become widely appreciated by our people.”

Speaker Otong, emphasized the Legislature’s interest on how the 2026 fiscal plan will further consolidate gains in education, healthcare, tourism, creative industries and ease of doing business in the state.

He expressed optimism that the Appropriation Bill when passed, will stimulate more private-sector participation and reduce the State’s dependence on federal allocations.

He also applauded Governor Eno for fulfilling his promise to renovate the Assembly Complex, as well as approving a temporary relocation of the House and staff during the reconstruction period, an intervention, the Speaker described as historic and deeply appreciated.

Reflecting on his two years in office, the Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that support socio-economic growth and providing strong oversight to ensure judicious use of public funds. He urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate fully with Standing Committees during the budget defence sessions.

“Our aim is not merely to approve figures,” Otong said, “but to ensure efficient allocation of resources, elimination of waste, strengthened fiscal discipline, and prioritization of projects that uplift the lives of our citizens.”

He reiterated that oversight is a constitutional mandate under Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and assured the Governor that the Legislature will scrutinize the budget “with diligence, patriotism, and fairness.”

The Speaker expressed confidence that with continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislature, Akwa Ibom State is firmly on the path to “unprecedented growth and prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Plenary has been adjourned to reconvene on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025.

Press Unit,

Office of the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA).