Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has proposed a total budget of ₦780.59 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, tagged the “Budget of Inclusive Growth.”
Presenting the Appropriation Bill before the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, Governor Otu said the budget is designed to consolidate the achievements of his administration’s People First agenda and deepen inclusive development across the state.
He stated that the 2026 budget was prepared after extensive consultations with civil society groups, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, and members of the public.
“This annual budget presentation transcends bureaucratic routine,” Otu said. “It reflects our shared vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Cross River.”
The governor disclosed that the new fiscal plan marks a 17 percent increase over the 2025 budget, with ₦519.6 billion (67%) allocated to capital projects and ₦260.96 billion (33%) to recurrent expenditure.
Under the sectoral breakdown, ₦421 billion is proposed for the economic sector, ₦163 billion for social services, ₦164 billion for general administration, ₦28 billion for law and justice, and ₦3.6 billion for regional development.
Governor Otu explained that his administration would begin assessing progress based on the Human Development Index (HDI) rather than GDP, emphasizing human capital development, rural electrification, and social protection.
He announced plans to operationalize the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP), aimed at empowering women, youths, the elderly, and vulnerable groups through a non-political, multi-sectoral framework.
On the 2025 budget performance, Otu recalled that the “Budget of Sustainable Growth” was revised from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion following improved revenue inflows and prudent resource management. He said the supplementary budget addressed critical needs such as road rehabilitation, rural electrification, and counterpart funding for national and international projects.
He also highlighted key achievements including the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road, dualization of Esuk Utan–Depot Road, and Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade Road, as well as installation of solar-powered streetlights and mini-grids across rural communities.
“We have renovated and equipped health facilities across all three senatorial districts, and the new General Hospital in Ikom will soon be completed,” he added.
Earlier, Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended Governor Otu for his developmental strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and workers’ welfare.
He praised the governor for the reconstruction of major roads, renovation of the State Library Complex, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and approval of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for legislative staff.
“Your Excellency, your achievements in education, agriculture, water supply, tourism, and rural development are top-notch and deeply appreciated,” the Speaker said.
Ayambem also revealed that the 10th Assembly has passed 45 bills, with the governor assenting to and implementing all resolutions of the House — a testament, he said, to the strong executive-legislative partnership in the state.
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