In a bold move to transform the healthcare landscape and align with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared a state of emergency on the health sector. This landmark decision, announced following a comprehensive review of the state’s healthcare development roadmap, signals a renewed commitment to improving healthcare delivery and addressing longstanding challenges in the sector. The announcement was made public by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, during a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Uyo, on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
The declaration of a state of emergency is a strategic response to the need for accelerated reforms, aimed at ensuring efficient, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services for the people of Akwa Ibom. The ARISE Agenda—Governor Eno’s blueprint for Advancing Rural Infrastructure, Security, and Empowerment—emphasizes transformative governance, and the health sector reforms are a critical component of this vision. The state government’s proactive measures are expected to address systemic gaps, enhance infrastructure, and bolster human resources in the healthcare system, positioning Akwa Ibom as a model for healthcare excellence in Nigeria.
Comprehensive Healthcare Reforms
The state of emergency declaration comes with a series of directives designed to overhaul the healthcare system and improve service delivery across Akwa Ibom. According to Commissioner Umanah, the governor has outlined key initiatives to ensure that the reforms are both impactful and sustainable. These initiatives include:
Upgrading Medical Facilities Statewide: The administration has prioritized an expanded upgrade of medical facilities across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas. This initiative aims to modernize hospitals, clinics, and primary healthcare centers, ensuring they are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure to meet the needs of patients. The upgrades will focus on improving diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and overall patient care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Mass Recruitment of Healthcare Workers: To address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, Governor Eno has approved the reopening of the healthcare recruitment portal to engage 2,000 new workers. This recruitment drive is a significant step toward bolstering the state’s healthcare workforce, ensuring that facilities are adequately staffed to handle the growing demand for services. Notably, the requirement for a voter’s identity card has been waived, making the application process more inclusive and accessible to qualified candidates.
Upgrading Health Training Institutions: The governor has directed the upgrading of health training institutions across the state to enhance the quality of medical education and produce skilled professionals. This initiative includes modernizing facilities, updating curricula, and providing resources to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the healthcare sector. Additionally, fresh enrollment of students into these institutions has been prioritized to build a pipeline of future healthcare professionals.
Engagement of Retired Medical Personnel: In a creative approach to addressing staffing shortages, the administration has approved the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on a contract basis. This measure will leverage the expertise of experienced professionals to support the healthcare system while providing mentorship to younger workers.
Formation of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee: To ensure the effective implementation of these emergency measures, Governor Eno has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee. Comprising representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, the committee is tasked with coordinating efforts, monitoring progress, and addressing any challenges that may arise during the implementation process. This collaborative approach underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
These reforms reflect a holistic strategy to transform Akwa Ibom’s healthcare system, addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. By focusing on infrastructure, human resources, and institutional capacity, the state government aims to create a healthcare system that is responsive, equitable, and capable of meeting the needs of its citizens.
Supplementary Budget to Support Development Goals
In addition to the health sector reforms, the State Executive Council proposed a supplementary budget of ₦695 billion to support the administration’s broader development objectives. This supplementary budget, when combined with the state’s earlier main budget of ₦995 billion, brings the total 2025 budget to an unprecedented ₦1.65 trillion. The supplementary budget is strategically designed to address critical areas of need, including the implementation of the new minimum wage, infrastructure development, and support for emerging sectors.
According to Commissioner Umanah, the supplementary budget is broken down as follows:
Recurrent Expenditure: ₦125.66 billion, covering salaries, personnel emoluments, and allowances for public servants, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving within and outside Akwa Ibom.
Capital Expenditure: ₦569.33 billion, allocated to transformative infrastructure projects, flood and erosion control, completion of inflation-affected projects, and the development of new initiatives.
The supplementary budget is a reflection of the administration’s proactive approach to addressing economic challenges, such as inflation, and ensuring that ongoing projects are completed on schedule. It also demonstrates a commitment to investing in sectors that drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.
Key Projects and Initiatives
The supplementary budget will fund a wide range of projects and programs, many of which align with the ARISE Agenda’s focus on infrastructure, economic diversification, and social development. Some of the key initiatives include:
Flood and Erosion Control: Akwa Ibom, like many parts of Nigeria, faces significant challenges from flooding and erosion, particularly during the rainy season. The supplementary budget allocates funds to implement robust flood and erosion control measures, protecting communities, farmlands, and infrastructure from environmental degradation.
Completion of Inflation-Affected Projects: Rising costs due to inflation have impacted the completion of several ongoing projects. The supplementary budget provides the necessary resources to ensure that these projects are brought to completion, delivering on promises made to the people of Akwa Ibom.
Ibom CNG Mass Transit Buses: As part of efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the state government is investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit buses. This initiative will improve public transportation, reduce commuting costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Support for Newly Created Ministries: The supplementary budget includes funding for the newly established Ministries of Sports, Digital Economy, and Humanitarian Services. These ministries are designed to drive innovation, youth engagement, and social welfare, aligning with the administration’s vision for a diversified and inclusive economy.
Tree Crop Revolution Programme: The budget allocates resources to the Tree Crop Revolution programme, which aims to boost agricultural productivity and promote economic diversification. By investing in tree crops such as oil palm, cocoa, and rubber, the state government seeks to create jobs, enhance food security, and increase export potential.
Construction of Housing Estates: To address housing deficits and improve living standards, the administration is prioritizing the construction of affordable housing estates across the state. These estates will provide decent accommodation for residents, particularly low- and middle-income earners.
Renovation of the House of Assembly Complex: The supplementary budget includes provisions for the renovation and modernization of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly complex. This project will enhance the legislative environment, enabling lawmakers to perform their duties more effectively.
Acquisition of a New Aircraft for Ibom Air: Ibom Air, the state-owned airline, has become a symbol of Akwa Ibom’s ambition to compete in the aviation sector. The budget allocates funds for the acquisition of a new aircraft, which will expand the airline’s fleet, improve service delivery, and enhance connectivity within and beyond the state.
Development of ARISE Shopping City: The ARISE Shopping City is a flagship project aimed at transforming Akwa Ibom into a commercial hub. The budget provides for the development of this modern retail and commercial complex, which is expected to attract investors, create jobs, and boost tourism.
Economic and Social Impacts
The declaration of a state of emergency on the health sector, combined with the supplementary budget, is expected to have far-reaching economic and social impacts. The healthcare reforms will improve access to quality medical services, reduce mortality rates, and enhance the overall well-being of residents. By investing in medical facilities, training institutions, and human resources, the administration is laying the foundation for a healthier and more productive population.
The supplementary budget, with its focus on infrastructure, agriculture, and emerging sectors, will stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for businesses and individuals. The investment in flood control and housing estates will improve living conditions, while initiatives like the Ibom CNG Mass Transit buses and the Tree Crop Revolution programme will promote sustainability and economic diversification.
Moreover, the budget’s provisions for NYSC members and the new minimum wage demonstrate the administration’s commitment to supporting workers and improving their welfare. These measures are expected to boost morale, enhance productivity, and contribute to a more vibrant public service.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the state of emergency and supplementary budget represent significant steps forward, they also come with challenges. The implementation of large-scale projects, such as the healthcare reforms and infrastructure developments, requires efficient coordination, transparency, and accountability to ensure success. The state government will need to address potential bureaucratic bottlenecks, ensure prudent financial management, and engage communities to foster ownership of these initiatives.
However, these challenges also present opportunities. The recruitment of 2,000 healthcare workers and the engagement of retired professionals will create jobs and stimulate economic activity. The development of new ministries and programs, such as the Digital Economy and Tree Crop Revolution, will position Akwa Ibom as a leader in innovation and agriculture. Additionally, the ARISE Shopping City and Ibom Air expansion are expected to attract investment, boost tourism, and enhance the state’s global competitiveness.
A Vision for the Future
Governor Umo Eno’s declaration of a state of emergency on the health sector, coupled with the proposed supplementary budget, reflects a bold and visionary approach to governance. By prioritizing healthcare, infrastructure, and economic diversification, the administration is addressing the immediate needs of its citizens while laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity.
The ARISE Agenda serves as a guiding framework for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of inclusive development, empowerment, and sustainability. As Akwa Ibom embarks on this transformative journey, the state is poised to become a model for good governance and development in Nigeria.
Conclusion
The state of emergency on the health sector and the ₦695 billion supplementary budget mark a defining moment for Akwa Ibom. Under Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, the state is taking decisive steps to address critical challenges, enhance service delivery, and drive economic growth. The healthcare reforms, coupled with investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and emerging sectors, reflect a commitment to improving the lives of residents and building a prosperous future.
As these initiatives take shape, Akwa Ibom stands at the cusp of a new era of development. With strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and a focus on inclusivity, the state is well-positioned to achieve the goals of the ARISE Agenda and set a standard for excellence in governance.