By Michael Jegede
The Governor of Cross River State, Apostle Bassey Edet Otu, on October 28, 2025, presented the Cross River State 2026 Appropriation Bill tagged “Budget of Inclusive Growth” to the State House of Assembly with an outlay of N780.59b, for legislative scrutiny and further deliberations before it is subsequently passed and signed into law.
The proposed N780.59 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year is 17 percent higher than the 2025 budget, with N519.62 billion (67%) set aside for capital spending and N260.96 billion (33%) for recurrent expenditure. The sectoral allocations for the proposed 2026 budget as presented by Governor Otu include economic sector – N421b, social services – N163b, general administration – N164b, law and justice – N28b and regional development – N3.6b.
In his presentation of the 2026 budget proposal to the state lawmakers, the governor believed to be totally committed to transforming and repositioning Cross River State for economic prosperity, said: “I stand before you with a profound sense of duty, obligation and determination to the development of our dear State – Cross River, as I present the 2026 Fiscal Estimates. This is my third appearance before you for this purpose in the cycle of my administration.
“For us as a government, we see the annual presentation of the Appropriation Bill beyond an administrative ritual; rather, it is a public presentation of an audacious development blueprint, collectively drawn for the improved well-being of our people. This document so presented, is therefore sacred to the extent of its implementation as a binding social contract between the government and the governed.”
According to him, “Just like the budgets of the preceding years, the 2026 Estimates is a product of wide range consultation with the Civil Society Organization (CSO), the Organized Private Sector (OPS), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the general public. The essence of these public engagements is to aggregate their views and factor in the inputs into the Budget Estimates. So, the document before you, is the voice of the people to be implemented for the people.
“Mr. Speaker, my administration has always demonstrated the zeal to better the lot of our people directly through many development initiatives. In 2026, there is going to be a paradigm shift from the use of the growth of the GDP as an indication of development, to the use of the Human Development Index (HDI) as a measurement to determine the State’s average achievement in a budget cycle. With this new paradigm, the impact of development will be evidently seen in the lives of our people. To achieve this purpose, increased access to knowledge through quality and compulsory education will be pursued. Increase in life expectancy from birth and reduction in child mortality and morbidity through quality health care delivery and decent standard of living through the various programmes of my administration will be achieved.
“There will be access to power supply for the rural dwellers to enhance entrepreneurship. We will therefore focus on enhancing our support to small and medium enterprises. When these are achieved at the end of the 2026 Budget year, it will be affirmed that, it is actually the People’s Budget.”
Continuing, he added, “Mr. Speaker, among the various home-grown initiatives of the Human Development Index (HDI) is the introduction of the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP). The framework for the implementation will be devoid of any political leaning, ethnic and religious persuasions. The programme will involve the coordination of multi-sectoral projects that will address the peculiar needs of the social demographic groups in our respective communities. The private sector will be a veritable partner in this regard.
“It will also provide a renewed hope for the elderly and vulnerable ones in the society by directly improving their livelihoods. As the 2026 fiscal year progresses, we shall roll out more empowerment programmes within the State social safety net; that will directly enhance the standard of living of our people.”
Otu, the astute banker turned politician, stated that for the 2026 Fiscal Year, they are targeting the following sources to generate the funds required to finance the expenditures – State Government Share of FAAC = N376 billion; Capital Receipts, Aids, Grants, Capital Development Funds = N345 billion; Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) = N50 billion; Opening balance = 8 billion.
He averred that, “The 2026 Proposed Budget is designed to build upon the foundation we have already laid through revenue strengthening mechanism, efficient resource mobilization and improved service delivery. We have continued to prioritize Capital Expenditure over Recurrent. This is a deliberate policy direction so as to align with our vision of robust health care delivery, agriculture revolution, educational development, social protection initiative, industrialization and Human Capital Development.”
Speaking on the review of the 2025 budget christened “Budget of Sustainable Growth”, the governor said the initial envelope was N538b, but a supplementary budget of N104b was proposed due to compelling reasons to increase the existing budget, bringing the total outlay of the 2025 budget to N642b.
In his words: “The review was necessitated in part, by the additional revenue accruing to the State from the Federation Account and increase in our internally generated revenue. In an act of transparency in resource utilization and our practice of ethical governance, my administration cannot spend extra kobo that comes into the State coffers without the legal instrument of appropriation.
“Another factor that informed the 2025 Supplementary Budget was the exigency of road infrastructure, which before the Appropriation Bill was passed and signed into law, was not as deplorable as they became; hence the need for urgent intervention. There was also a compelling need to reduce the number of communities that were underserved with electricity supply. In addition to the above, there was an urgent need to honour many of our counterpart funding requirements; both nationally and internationally. Above these, we had introduced a new health initiative called the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MNMRI). The programme is aimed at reducing the preventable death of pregnant mothers and children.”
On the 2025 Budget Performance, Otu said: “Mr. Speaker, every budget is an aggregate of income and expenditure forecast; so, I can confidently inform you that our 2025 Budget is performing optimally. Our long-term fiscal performance (year-on-year performance) is adjudged to be one of the best in the country. On the routine immunization, Cross River State ranked No. 1 in the Federation with a 95% coverage.
“Mr. Speaker and dear Cross Riverians, we are bold, we are daring and we are sincere in the prudent management of the State’s finances. The implementation of the 2025 Budget is guided by the ‘People First’ philosophy.”
According to the Cross River helmsman, “In the area of infrastructure, which has the highest funds allocation in 2025, we have achieved some remarkable milestones. The Adiabo-Ikoneto Road, the dualization of the Esuk Utan – Depot, the Oban – Nsan Road, the Yahe-Ebo- Wanakom-Wanikade Roads and the Akreha Road and Bridge and other road infrastructures across the State, are flagship road projects executed in the 2025 Budget cycle. Several network of internal road projects in some of the Urban Centres were equally executed.”
He also enumerated the remarkable gains recorded in the power and health sectors, noting that “Critical Government assets such as the ultra-modern State Library, the Cultural Centre Complex, Governor’s Office Complex, Governor and Deputy Governor’s Lodges and that of the Speaker and deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Local Government Service Commission Complex, have all been given a face-lift.
“Mr. Speaker, in a bid to strengthen and widen our Tourism offerings and revolutionize agriculture export products, I wish to state that, the Obudu Passengers and Cargo Airport has reached an advanced stage in the construction process. In the same vein, the negotiations for the pre-construction works of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port are in progress as a deliberate step towards the restoration of the State as a major Maritime and Logistics Hub in the West African Sub-region.
“In General Administration, we have implemented the approved National Minimum Wage across the Local and State Government workforce. Presently, this administration is up to date in the promotion of qualified and deserving staff, while the first tranche of funds were made available and gratuity paid to retired Public and Civil Servants. We are almost in the final stage of payment of the second batch of gratuity.”
In his welcome address delivered before Otu’s budget speech, the Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, lauded the governor for the remarkable progress and numerous achievements made across various sectors of the state under his watch.
While acknowledging Otu’s dedication to improving the welfare of Cross River residents, Ayambem, in a report by an online medium dedicated to publishing news related to Cross River State, said: “Your Excellency, your giant strides generally in the areas of Education, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Water Supply, Healthcare delivery, Tourism, Rural Development etc are top-notch, highly appreciated and cannot be over emphasised. We cannot thank you enough for your love and concern over the welfare of Members of the 10th Assembly.”
He was also quoted in a Voice of Nigeria (VON) report as saying: “As a legislature, we are willing and ever ready to make valuable sacrifices and contributions towards ensuring that the three arms of government enjoy a cordial relationship for the benefit of delivering the much-needed democratic dividends to our people.
“We shall continue to make laws that promote good governance, encourage transparency and accountability in our public institutions, coupled with improved service delivery.
“As you present the 2026 Budget, we are hopeful that quality education will continue to be guaranteed in our state, roads and other infrastructure will be upgraded, as you also continue to attract more investment opportunities into the state.”
The Chairman of Cross River State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, in a Facebook comment, hailed the governor’s visionary leadership while congratulating him on the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal.
The Cross River IPAC boss wrote: “Your Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, I am honored to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, themed the ‘Budget of Inclusive Growth.’ This remarkable achievement reflects your unwavering commitment to the People First agenda and your dedication to improving the lives of every Cross Riverian.
“As Chairman of IPAC Cross River State, I commend your visionary leadership in prioritizing people-centered development. The budget’s focus on education, healthcare, electricity, and social protection aligns with our shared goals of promoting inclusive growth and reducing vulnerability.
“The ₦780.59 billion budget outlay demonstrates a significant investment in the state’s future, with a notable increase in capital projects and recurrent expenditure. We appreciate your efforts to strengthen revenue generation, drive human capital development, and ensure peace and prosperity in Cross River State.
“Your administration’s achievements, including improved healthcare, infrastructure development, and empowerment initiatives, have positively impacted the lives of our citizens. IPAC applauds your commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“We pledge our support and collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of this budget, working together to make Cross River State a model of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for your tireless efforts and dedication to our great state.”
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja