Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has declared a state of emergency in the health sector to fast-track reforms and strengthen healthcare delivery in line with his administration’s ARISE agenda.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting held on Saturday at Government House, Uyo.
According to Umanah, the emergency measures include:
- Comprehensive upgrade of medical facilities across the state.
- Reopening of the healthcare recruitment portal to employ 2,000 workers, with the usual voter ID requirement waived.
- Upgrading of health training institutions and fresh enrolment of professionals.
- Engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on contract.
He added that an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee has been set up to coordinate and ensure effective implementation of the directives.
Meanwhile, the council also approved a ₦695 billion supplementary budget, raising the state’s 2025 budget from ₦995 billion to ₦1.65 trillion.
The commissioner explained that the supplementary budget includes ₦125.66 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦569.33 billion for capital projects, covering:
- New minimum wage, personnel emoluments, and NYSC allowances.
- Flood and erosion control projects.
- Inflation-affected projects and new infrastructure.
- Ibom CNG Mass Transit buses.
- Support for newly created Ministries of Sports, Digital Economy, and Humanitarian Services.
- Tree Crop Revolution Programme and construction of housing estates.
- Renovation of the House of Assembly complex.
- Acquisition of a new aircraft for Ibom Air.
- Development of the ARISE Shopping City.
Umanah said the budget adjustments are aimed at ensuring sustainability of ongoing reforms, improving healthcare access, and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.