September 15, (THEWILL) — Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared a state of emergency in the health sector and proposed a ₦695 billion supplementary budget, which will push the state’s 2025 appropriation from ₦980 billion to ₦1.65 trillion.
The governor’s decision followed the death of a woman at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, which he said highlighted the urgent need for sweeping reforms in healthcare delivery.
Briefing reporters after the State Executive Council meeting, Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said the supplementary budget would be forwarded to the House of Assembly for approval.
He explained that the additional funds would cover the new minimum wage, allowances for National Youth Service Corps members serving within and outside the state, flood and erosion control, completion of inflation-hit projects, and new infrastructure.
Other provisions include the purchase of CNG-powered mass transit buses, creation of two new ministries and a bureau, rollout of the Tree Crop Revolution, construction of housing estates, renovation of the Assembly complex, acquisition of a new aircraft, and development of the proposed Arise Shopping City.
On the health emergency, Umanah said Eno had ordered a comprehensive upgrade of medical facilities, recruitment of 2,000 healthcare workers without voter identification requirement, training of medical professionals, and engagement of retired personnel on contract.
He added that health training institutions would be strengthened, while an inter-ministerial steering committee led by Health Commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, would oversee the reforms.
The council also reviewed progress on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Akwa Ibom Geographic Information System (AKWAGIS) projects, fixing October 15, 2025, as the official launch date.
