05/11/2025
EXCERPTS FROM THE ENLARGED AKWA IBOM STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025
The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council was presided over by the Governor and Chairman in Council, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D.
In attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Civil Service, Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency, the Governor, welcomed members and attendees; urging all to continue to demonstrate dedication and commitment to the successful implementation of the ARISE Agenda.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. The Executive Council considered and deliberated on the 2026 Budget Proposal and approved a budget size of ₦1.390 trillion for onward transmission to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for consideration and passage. The proposed budget is anchored on deepening dividends of the ARISE Agenda, focusing on agricultural development, rural development, infrastructure expansion, security, education, tourism growth, healthcare, economic diversification, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
2. The 2026 fiscal plan emphasizes the completion of ongoing flagship projects, job creation through MSME support and tourism promotion, improved transportation through CNG buses and ferries; enhanced transparency, fiscal discipline, and human capital development, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.
3. Council considered a memo from the Secretary to the State Government conveying approvals of the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC) on various projects and ratified an upward review of the total project cost for the Aviation Village. The review covers the dualization of access and internal roads, concrete paving, outfalls, perimeter fencing, gatehouse, electrical works, entrance tower, and residential estate within the Victor Attah International Airport.
4. The Executive Council ratified the FGPC approval for the consultancy, design, procurement of broadcast equipment, and system integration for the Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) Television and Radio, awarded to MediaGuru LLC, Dubai.
5. Following a report by the Commissioner for Health on the ongoing implementation of the State of Emergency in the Health Sector, Council directed the immediate deployment of re-engaged retired health workers on contract to various health facilities across the State, and also directed the Ministry of Health to urgently commence work on eight General Hospitals, 29 Primary Healthcare Centres, as well as the Molecular Diagnostics/State Public Health Laboratory and Isolation Centre. The Governor in Council further approved Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as the new date for the commissioning of the General Hospital, Ukanafun.
6. In a determined effort to recover prime State properties used in asset swap for the recapitalization of the State owned Anchor Insurance Limited, Council approved the release of ₦4,150,000,000 to the company in exchange for multi-billion-naira properties in Lagos and placement to strengthen its capitalization. The Governor in Council directed the immediate appointment of a reputable estate valuer to assess the properties and mandated Akwa Ibom Property And Investments Company, APICO and Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, to work towards converting such assets into wealth for the State.
7. Council received reports from AKICORP on the state of health of State-owned financial institutions. The Governor in Council directed that the management of each of these institutions be invited to make presentations before the Executive Council at subsequent meetings.
8. Following a presentation by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice on proposed Executive Bills, including, the Domestication and Harmonization of Taxes and Levies Bill and the Akwa Ibom State Property Tax Law in line with the recently enacted National Tax Act - Council approved that the three bills be transmitted to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for consideration and passage. Council also received a briefing from AKIRS on the new tax law and their implications for the State.
9. In closing, the Governor in Council commended and appreciated the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, for his meritorious service to the State and a distinguished career in the civil service, wishing him success in his future endeavours.
10. Council also received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Reverend Emmanuel Ossom, one of the State’s respected senior clerics, and directed members to pay a condolence visit to the bereaved family and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
The Executive Council meeting adjourned at 6:10PM
Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Honourable Commissioner for Information
November 5, 2025
