Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has signed into law the N1.585 trillion 2026 People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth.
The Governor also inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees to oversee the implementation of the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenue (TSA-IGR) and the actualisation of international status for the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
Speaking at the inauguration during an enlarged State Executive Council meeting, the Governor said the establishment of the committees, underscores his administration’s resolve to entrench fiscal discipline while fast-tracking major development projects.
Governor Eno charged the committee on the state’s international airport to ensure accelerated delivery for the projected April 2026 operational kickoff date.
“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026.”
Members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation include the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, as Chairman; Mr. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties; Mr. George Uriesi, Managing Director of Ibom Air; Mr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties; Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, Accountant-General; with Mr. Uwem Ekanem, Managing Director of the Airport Development Authority, serving as Secretary.
Governor Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the committee members, urging them to intensify their efforts and ensure that all preparatory works remain on schedule.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR is chaired by Mr. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance, with Mr. Uko Udom, SAN, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy; Mkpisong Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Dr. Ubong Inyang, Commissioner for Lands; and Dr. Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning as members while Mr. Okon Okon, Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, will serve as Secretary.
On fiscal governance, the Governor reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for non-transparency, emphasising that all revenues must pass through the Treasury Single Account.
“… the committee will give back some percentages to the MDAs as running costs. We have a huge budget of N1.5 trillion and we need these funds for the good of our people.’
“No agency is allowed to own its own stand-alone account. All revenue must be generated and spent through one account. This is the only way we can maintain transparency and track our resources effectively.
Let me make it absolutely clear that no part of government will generate money and spend.
Please if we find out that you circumvent this instruction in any way. We will not take it kindly. All funds should go to the Treasury Single Account.” he said.
Governor Eno also highlighted the state’s strong fiscal standing, noting its debt-free status and commitment to prudent financial management.
“As we speak, we know that Akwa Ibom is not owing any bank in this country. Not one bank.
And we do not intend to owe, except if it becomes absolutely necessary and we will go to the House of Assembly and make our case.”
“We know there will be deficits from what we project from the federation account. We do not intend to borrow. But we know that if we are honest and transparent and accountable, and all of us work and support the Treasury Single Account, we will have more than enough to execute the budget.”
Reaffirming the termination of contracts for revenue consultants, the Governor directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to work strictly with the inter-ministerial committee on TSA-IGR.
He further stated that tenement rates must be paid into the Treasury Single Account, urging compliance from homeowners.
“…We have waived tenement rates for previous years, only for those who will pay their own between now and March.So the committee will soon publish the rates for the different categories, and you just have to go and pay. The rate is not much and when you pay early, we will not ask you for the previous ones.”
He said; “Once we are able to generate more funds through legally-sanctioned means, we can thereafter deploy such funds for the common good of all.”
The Governor emphasised that the successful implementation of the TSA and the international airport project would significantly enhance service delivery, accountability, and economic growth across Akwa Ibom State.
Observers say these moves underscore the state government’s focus on fiscal prudence, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth as a critical step toward strengthening governance, transparency, and infrastructure delivery in Akwa Ibom State