A review of Akwa Ibom State's approved 2025 financial plan has revealed significant allocations for high-end projects and official festivities, drawing sharp contrast to funding levels for essential public services and infrastructure.
The budget designates approximately 3 billion Naira to furnish a government-owned hotel apartment located in Abuja. Concurrently, a separate allocation of 1.2 billion Naira has been earmarked for ceremonies marking two events: the state's own creation anniversary and Nigeria's Independence Day.
This expenditure on celebrations has sparked debate, as it exceeds the budget for several key public institutions. The combined festival budget is notably higher than the 611 million Naira allocated to the College of Nursing Sciences and more than double the 360 million Naira set aside for the State Health Insurance Agency. It also surpasses the 1 billion Naira budget for the Uyo Capital City Development Authority and the 631 million Naira designated for the State Water Company.
These budgetary choices are under increased scrutiny given the state's existing socioeconomic challenges. Official data indicates that 19% of school-aged children in Akwa Ibom are out of school. Furthermore, a significant majority of households lack access to basic necessities, with 70% deprived of sanitary facilities and 64% without clean drinking water.
The state also contends with recurring environmental disasters. It is frequently impacted by severe seasonal flooding, which has previously submerged homes, devastated farmland, and displaced residents. Official projections for 2025 already list Akwa Ibom among states at high risk of flooding.
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