The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has conducted a mid-year review of the 2026 Budget and State Development Plan implementation as part of efforts to ensure that government programmes and expenditures remain aligned with the state’s long-term development priorities and the People First agenda of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
The review meeting, held at Dannic Hotel, Ekorinim, Calabar, brought together key stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the State Planning Commission, State Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Justice, Office of the Accountant-General, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Women Affairs, Bureau of Public-Private Partnership, Ministry of Works, MEDA, Ministry of Aquaculture, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Mineral Resources.
Declaring the event open, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of stakeholders, describing their participation as critical to the success of the review process.
Duke noted that many of the participants had been involved from the inception of the State Development Plan, adding that their contributions would ensure that the outcome of the exercise reflects a collective position capable of guiding government in the effective implementation of people-oriented policies and programmes.
He explained that with several programmes and projects scheduled to reach their implementation milestones by 2026, the review had become necessary to assess progress made so far, identify challenges, evaluate successes, draw lessons, and develop strategies for improved implementation going forward.
According to him, the exercise provides an opportunity for government and development partners to determine whether ongoing interventions are achieving their intended objectives and contributing meaningfully to the state’s development agenda.
The review featured presentations on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget performance across key sectors, including Health, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Social Protection, with participants examining expenditure patterns, project implementation status, and service delivery outcomes.
Stakeholders also assessed progress made under the State Development Plan’s first result area, which focuses on strengthening governance through accountability, transparency, effective leadership, and efficient public service delivery.
The second implementation area reviewed focused on economic transformation through enhanced investments in agriculture, tourism, solid minerals, manufacturing, and service industries, while the third result area examined efforts aimed at promoting a clean, green, and sustainable environment for present and future generations.
Speaking during the exercise, participants emphasized the importance of evidence-based planning, regular monitoring, and inter-agency collaboration in achieving the targets outlined in the State Development Plan and ensuring value for public expenditure.
They also reaffirmed the commitment of government and development partners to sustaining reforms and interventions that improve the welfare of citizens and accelerate socio-economic development across the state.
The review meeting was attended by Permanent Secretaries, UNICEF officials, including Dr. Mrs. Maureen Zubi Okolo, the State Director of Planning, Mrs. Charity Ayara, Dr. Obono Ofem, UNICEF Desk Officers, Directors, and Planning, Research and Statistics officers from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the state.
By Iloke Egbe
