ENO’S 2026 BLUES: AIRPORT, TSA, A TRILLION-NAIRA BUDGET:

ENO’S 2026 BLUES: AIRPORT, TSA, A TRILLION-NAIRA BUDGET:

Daniel Edon

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated two crucial committees to drive the implementation of the International Airport Status for Victor Attah International Airport and ensure effective Treasury Single Account (TSA) management for Internally Generated Revenues.

The committees were launched as Governor Eno signed the N1.585 trillion 2026 budget into law at an Enlarged State Executive Council meeting in Uyo.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation is chaired by Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government, while the Inter-Ministerial Committee on TSA-IGR implementation is led by Hon. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance.

Governor Eno expressed confidence in the committees’ expertise, urging them to ensure timely completion of preparatory works and accelerated progress towards the airport’s April 2026 operational kickoff.

He emphasized transparency, fiscal discipline, and coordination across government agencies, warning against independent account operations and stressing that all revenue must flow through the unified treasury account.

“No agency will generate and spend money independently,” Governor Eno stated, adding that funds would be allocated through the TSA.

He highlighted Akwa Ibom’s debt-free status and commitment to avoiding unnecessary borrowing, relying on transparent and accountable TSA management to execute the budget.

The Governor also reaffirmed the termination of revenue generation consultant contracts, directing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee.

Tenement rates will be paid into the TSA, with waivers offered for early payments. Governor Eno urged homeowners to comply, citing benefits for the state’s development.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation includes:

– Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government – Chairman
– Hon. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance/Special Duties
– Mr. George Uriesi, Managing Director, Ibom Air
– Engr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties
– Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, Accountant-General
– Mr. Uwem Ekanem, Managing Director, Airport Development Authority – Secretary

The Inter-Ministerial Committee on TSA-IGR implementation includes:
– Mr. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Finance – Chairman
– Mr. Uko Udom, SAN, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice
– Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy
– Mr. Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
– Dr. Ubong Inyang, Commissioner for Lands
– Dr. Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning
– Mr. Okon Okon, Chairman, State Internal Revenue Service – Secretary