The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared a State of Emergency in its health sector after a comprehensive review of its healthcare development roadmap, aimed at accelerating reforms and strengthening service delivery under the ARISE agenda.
Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, briefed reporters at Government House after the weekly State Executive Council meeting, revealing that key directives under the new regime include upgrading medical facilities across the state, reopening the recruitment portal, and engaging 2,000 healthcare workers. The requirement for a voter’s identity card number has been waived for applicants.
The Council, presided over by Governor Pastor Umo Eno, also approved the upgrading of health training institutions, enrollment and training of health professionals, and the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on a contract basis. An Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee has been set up to ensure efficient implementation of these measures.
Supplementary Budget Proposal
The Exco further proposed a ₦695 billion supplementary budget, raising the state’s total 2025 budget size to ₦1.65 trillion, with ₦125.66 billion allocated for Recurrent Expenditure and ₦569.33 billion for Capital Expenditure.
The supplementary budget is designed to cover implementation of the new minimum wage, allowances for NYSC members serving within and outside the state, emergency flood and erosion control, and completion of inflation-affected projects.
It will also provide funding for new infrastructure projects, the purchase of Ibom CNG Mass Transit buses, and support for newly created ministries, Sports, Digital Economy, Humanitarian Services, and the Bureau of Rural Development and Cooperatives. Other priorities include the Tree Crop Revolution programme, construction of housing estates, renovation of the House of Assembly complex, acquisition of new aircraft, and development of the ARISE Shopping City.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of the Civil Service, the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Commissioners, and Special Advisers.
What You Should Know
Governor Umo Eno has declared a State of Emergency in Akwa Ibom’s health sector, with measures to recruit 2,000 workers and upgrade facilities.
A ₦695bn supplementary budget was also proposed, raising the 2025 budget to ₦1.65tn to cover wage increases, new projects, and expanded infrastructure.
