January 1, 2026
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has outlined a comprehensive agenda for governance, economic growth and social development in 2026, reaffirming his administration’s focus on peace, accountability and inclusive progress.
In his New Year address to residents of the state, the governor expressed gratitude to citizens for their continued support and to religious leaders and communities for prayers that sustained the state through the previous year. He described the last two and a half years as a period of steady advancement and pledged to consolidate and expand on existing gains.
Governor Eno acknowledged the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for the swift passage of the 2026 People’s Budget of Consolidation and Expansion, noting that cooperation between the executive and legislature remained central to effective governance. He also conveyed goodwill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising what he described as early positive outcomes of the Federal Government’s reform agenda and affirming the state’s support for national economic renewal.
Security and social stability featured prominently in the address, with the governor stating that sustained peace had continued to attract development across the state. He commended security agencies for their coordinated efforts and assured residents that government would maintain close collaboration to safeguard lives and property.
On the economy, the governor announced renewed investment in agriculture, including the launch of a Tree Crop Revolution aimed at boosting food security, empowering farmers and strengthening rural economies across all local government areas. Rural development, he said, would remain a priority, with intensified delivery of projects at the local government level and a renewed emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Governor Eno also announced the commencement of a Treasury Single Account regime for all government revenues, effective from January 1, 2026. He explained that the policy would consolidate state finances and ensure disciplined spending in line with the approved budget, warning that non compliance by ministries, departments and agencies would attract sanctions.
Infrastructure development was highlighted as a key driver of inclusive growth, with over one thousand kilometres of roads either completed or under construction across the state. According to the governor, new projects planned for the year were drawn from community needs identified during town hall meetings held across the ten federal constituencies.
In the social sectors, Governor Eno reported progress in education and healthcare, including the construction of model primary schools and healthcare centres statewide. He announced the commissioning of Ukanafun General Hospital and confirmed that work had commenced on the Ibom International Hospital, alongside the recruitment of additional healthcare personnel.
He further emphasised the administration’s commitment to social welfare, revealing plans to expand the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative and continue efforts to clear the inherited gratuity backlog, with significant payments already made to retirees.
Tourism and investment were identified as pillars of economic diversification in the coming year. The governor disclosed that several flagship projects were nearing completion, including hospitality, convention and retail developments designed to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as a destination for business and leisure.
On aviation and maritime development, Governor Eno thanked the Federal Government for approving the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport and expressed optimism about the commencement of international flight operations in the coming months. He added that associated aviation infrastructure and the Ibom Deep Seaport project were progressing in line with due process.
As political activities gradually intensify nationwide, the governor urged leaders and citizens to reject violence and divisive rhetoric, calling instead for issue based engagement and unity.
He concluded by wishing residents a peaceful and prosperous year, expressing confidence that Akwa Ibom would continue on a path of growth and stability in 2026.
