The Cross River State Appropriation Bill 2025 has been read and scaled through the second time.
The Bill was read during the plenary held at the Assembly complex and committed to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further legislative procedures.
It was presented by the Leader of the Assembly, and the member representing Odukpani State Constituency Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo.
Asuquo recalled that the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, had presented the 2025 budget estimates to the Assembly on the 29th of October 2024 adding that the budget christened “Budget of Sustainable Growth” has a total size of N498 Billion, with N328 billion (66%) as Capital Expenditure and N170 (34%) for Recurrent Expenditure.
The Lawmaker elucidated on the merits of the Bill, reiterating the Governor’s stance that the budget is benchmarked on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has placed emphasis on SDG 9 – Industry, Innovations and Infrastructure, SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 3 – Good Health and well-being; SDG 2 -Zero Hunger as well as SDG 16 – Peace Justice and Strong Institutions.
He commended the governor for the sectoral allocation which has N100 billion earmarked for Infrastructure, N81 billion for Education, N25 billion for Health while N20 billion was set aside for the Judiciary and N18 billion for the House of Assembly.
Other sectoral allocations include N16 billion for Aviation, 15 billion for Special Duties/ Intergovernmental Affairs,14 billion for Power,11 billion for Agriculture, 5 billion for Tourism, 4.7 billion for Science Technology and innovation, 3.7 billion for Women Affairs, 3 billion for Information and 181.6 billion for others.
In their various contributions, the Lawmakers who spoke, including Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, Abi State Constituency, Hon. Samuel Neji Abang Ikom I State Constituency, Hon. Odey Brian Wonah Yala I State Constituency, and Hon. Thomas Aruku Ogoja State Constituency,
Others include Hon. Ovat Dickson – Obubra I State Constituency, Hon. Martins Achadu Yala II State Constituency, Hon. Cyril Omini Yakurr 1 State Constituency and the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong all commended the governor for the budget which they emphasized is realistic.
The Legislators further lauded Governor Otu for laying emphasis on infrastructure, education and health as these sectors will greatly improve the socio- economic well-being of the citizens.
They however hinted that the allocations for some sectors including, Science Technology and Innovative as well as Women Affairs may be reconsidered for improvement so as to adequately address the needs of these sectors.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem hinted that the House will painstakingly carry out its duties at the committee level to ensure an effective process.
He further stressed that the budget process is the cardinal work of the legislature and called on all legislators to attend the budget defense exercise by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which will soon commence before mandating the Finance and Appropriation Committee to do a thorough job and report back to the House on the 7th of December 2024.
Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent
