By Our Reporter
The Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Ime Effiong Charles, has presented a proposed ₦15.11 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Abak Legislative Council for deliberation and approval.
Presenting the appropriation bill on Tuesday, December 30, Hon. Charles described the proposal as the “Budget of Actualization,” expressing gratitude to God for life and acknowledging the strong and harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of the council. She commended the lawmakers for their consistent partnership in advancing development in Abak Local Government Area.
The Council Chairman explained that the 2026 budget is structured in line with the ARISE Agenda of the Akwa Ibom State Government and aligned with the AK-LEEDS development framework, while also incorporating key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She noted that the budget prioritises critical sectors such as employment creation, empowerment programmes, infrastructure development, support for Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), security, education, healthcare, agriculture and prudent financial management.
According to Hon. Charles, the proposed ₦15.11 billion budget represents a 107.7 per cent increase over the 2025 budget of ₦7.226 billion, underscoring the administration’s resolve to accelerate development across the local government.
She disclosed that ₦9.337 billion, amounting to 62.2 per cent of the total budget, has been allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦5.634 billion, or 37.5 per cent, is set aside for recurrent expenditure. Of the recurrent allocation, ₦3.508 billion is earmarked for personnel costs, with ₦2.124 billion designated for other recurrent expenses.
A sectoral breakdown shows that education will receive ₦2.102 billion, health ₦1.605 billion, agriculture ₦190.8 million, other social sectors ₦112 million, economic sectors ₦7.841 billion, while administrative costs stand at ₦3.178 billion.
The Chairman stated that the core focus of the 2026 budget is to address unemployment and enhance access to social and economic infrastructure, identifying education, health and agriculture as major drivers of local economic growth.
She reassured the Legislative Council and residents of Abak of her administration’s commitment to delivering people-focused projects with lasting impact, and called for sustained support from all stakeholders to achieve the set objectives.
Hon. Charles also appealed to the lawmakers to give the budget proposal expedited consideration and passage to enable the council to effectively implement its development programmes.
In his response, the Leader of the Abak Legislative Council, Hon. Xavier Timothy, praised the Executive Chairman for fostering a cordial working relationship between both arms of government, noting that such collaboration has continued to yield positive outcomes for the local government.
He assured that the Legislative Council would accord the budget proposal prompt and thorough consideration in the best interest of the people of Abak.
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