UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared a State of Emergency on the health sector, as part of sweeping reforms to reposition healthcare delivery and align it with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, made this known while briefing Government House correspondents after Thursday’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Eno.
According to Umanah, the new directives under the emergency framework include the comprehensive upgrade of medical facilities across the state, reopening of the recruitment portal for healthcare workers, and the immediate engagement of 2,000 new staff. Notably, applicants will not be required to provide voters’ identity card numbers during registration.
He further explained that government has approved the upgrading of health training institutions, expanded enrollment for health professionals, and the re-engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on contract to boost manpower.
To drive the process, the Exco constituted an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, with membership drawn from relevant ministries and agencies, to ensure speedy and efficient implementation.
In addition, the Council approved a supplementary budget of ₦695 billion, bringing the state’s 2025 fiscal plan to ₦1.65 trillion. The revised budget allocates ₦125.6 billion for Recurrent Expenditure and ₦569.3 billion for Capital Expenditure.
The Commissioner said the supplementary bill would fund several critical areas, including the new minimum wage and personnel emoluments, allowances for NYSC members serving within and outside the state, emergency flood and erosion control, and completion of ongoing projects impacted by inflation.
Other highlights of the supplementary budget include the purchase of Ibom CNG Mass Transit buses, funding for newly created ministries such as Sports, Digital Economy, and Humanitarian Services, the Bureau of Rural Development and Cooperatives, the Tree Crop Revolution programme, construction of new housing estates, renovation of the House of Assembly complex, acquisition of new aircraft, and development of the ARISE Shopping City.
The Council meeting had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government; Head of Civil Service; Chief Delivery Advisor; Honourable Commissioners; and Special Advisers.
