Gov Eno Signs N1.585trn 2026 Budget, Launches Single Treasury Account

Governor Umo Eno has signed into law the N1.585 trillion 2026 budget, vowing that he would not borrow any cash to fund it unless it becomes necessary, as he continues to maintain a clean slate after clearing the massive chunk of borrowings he inherited from successive administrations.

Besides, to curb financial fraud and leakages from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), the governor announced that the State would henceforth operate a Single Treasury Account (TSA) and charged relevant government authorities to adhere strictly.

At the enlarged State Executive Council (SEC), the first session for the New Year held at the Exco Chambers of the Government House, Uyo, the State capital, the governor-in-council also resolved other state’s  matters.

He inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees and mandated them to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport as well as ensure implementation of the TSA for Internally Generated Revenues (TSA).

The Committees’ establishment, LEADERSHIP gathered, marked another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems while fast-tracking the completion of major development projects across 31 local government areas.

He listed members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation to include: Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) as chairman.

Hon. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance/ Special Duties; George Uriesi, Managing Director, Ibom Air;  Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties; Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, Accountant-General, as members, while Mr Uwem Ekanem, Managing Director, Airport Development Authority, is the Secretary.

The TSA-IGR implementation Committee has Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance, as chairman. Others include: Uko Udom, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy; Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Dr Ubong Inyang, Commissioner for Lands; Dr. Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, were named as members with Okon Okon – Chairman, State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), as secretary.

The governor expressed confidence in the competence of the newly inaugurated members, noting that their expertise would significantly contribute to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability. He urged them to intensify their efforts, ensuring that all preparatory works remain on schedule.

To the airport committee, the governor charged its members with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kickoff in April this year.

“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,” he charged.

He, therefore, emphasised the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies, warning that no agency of government is permitted to operate a single independent account, as all revenues must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.

“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 effectively track our resources.

“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 be deposited into the Treasury Single Account.

“Then the committee will give back some percentages to the MDAs as running costs. We have a massive budget of N1.5 trillion, and we need these funds for the good of our people.

“As we speak, we know that Akwa Ibom does not owe any bank in this country. Not one bank. And we don’t intend to owe, except in cases where it becomes necessary. And we’ll 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 don’t intend to borrow. However, we know that if we are honest, transparent, and accountable, and all of us work together to support the Treasury Single Account, we’ll have more than enough to execute the budget.

“I believe we have all seen and read the second line of the release that has been put out by the Secretary to the Government on the issue,” he stressed.

Reaffirming the termination of contracts for consultants on revenue generation, the Governor insisted that all MDAs must work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Commissioner for Finance, Emem Bob.

He maintained that tenement rates will be paid into the Treasury Single Account and urged full compliance from homeowners across the State.

He said: “As I said, 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 won’t ask you for the previous ones.

“But if you wait until we close, then you are owing previous ones. This is the way it is done everywhere. Once we can generate more funds through legally-sanctioned means, we can thereafter deploy such funds for the common good of all. “