Akwa Ibom Water Sector Unveils 2027 Budget Priorities, Targets Wider Access to Potable Water
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Uwem Efiong
UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE — The Akwa Ibom State Water Sector has presented its proposed 2027 budget estimates before the State Budget Estimate Bilateral Discussion Committee as the state begins preparations for the next fiscal year.
The budget defence, held at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Uyo, brought together officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited and the Akwa Ibom Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AK-RUWATSAN).
The session was chaired by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Nsikan Linus Nkan, who led the committee in examining the sector's proposed programmes, projects and expenditure priorities for the 2027 financial year.
Presenting the sector's proposals, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, Ph.D., said the planned interventions were designed to support Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda, particularly in the areas of potable water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
Ubuo said the sector would focus on expanding access to safe drinking water while improving sanitation services and strengthening hygiene interventions across Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, one of the major priorities for the 2027 fiscal year is the state's participation in the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project.
The Commissioner also identified the provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergencies as another priority, explaining that the initiative would help reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks during emergencies and other crisis situations.
He further disclosed plans to establish a state-owned Water Quality Control Laboratory to strengthen water quality monitoring and enhance public health protection.
The proposed laboratory is expected to provide improved capacity for monitoring water quality and supporting interventions aimed at ensuring that residents have access to safer water sources.
The Water Resources and Sanitation Commissioner also highlighted continuous capacity building as part of the sector's 2027 plans. He said staff would undergo training and retraining to improve their technical capacity and strengthen service delivery across the water sector.
The delegation from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation included the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Edet Nsungwara; Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Ekaette Olabanjo; Head of Accounts and Finance, Mrs. EnoEno Etim; and Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Okokon Edem.
Also present was the Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited, Engr. Edo Etuk, while AK-RUWATSAN was represented by its General Manager, Mr. Saviour Udoh.
Officials of the Water Company who attended the session included the General Manager, Administration, Mr. Akaninyene Isok; General Manager, Management Services, Dr. Ebebe Item; and Financial Secretary, Mr. Ime Titus.
Representatives of AK-RUWATSAN included the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Ini Esak; Head of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Emmanuel Okpo; Head of Mobilization and Sanitation, Engr. Joshua Udo; Internal Auditor, Ms. Idongesit Dan; and Head of Engineering, Engr. Uyobong Iti.
The bilateral budget session enabled the committee to scrutinise the Water Sector's proposed expenditure and assess its planned projects and programmes ahead of the 2027 budget.
The exercise forms part of the state's wider budget preparation process, during which ministries, departments and agencies defend their proposals before the relevant budget committees.
The Water Sector's presentation is expected to contribute to the state's broader efforts to improve water supply, sanitation, hygiene and public health outcomes across Akwa Ibom.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has continued to prioritise water supply, sanitation and hygiene as key components of public health and social development. The 2027 budget process provides an opportunity for the Water Sector to seek funding for infrastructure, water-quality monitoring, emergency WASH interventions, irrigation-related programmes and human-capacity development.
