The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has proposed a total budget size of ₦780.59 billion for the 2026 fiscal year .
According to him, the Budget, tagged, "Budget of Inclusive Growth” is designed to consolidate on the gains of his administration’s "People First" philosophy.
Presenting the Appropriation Bill before the House of Assembly, Governor Otu said;
“I approached the task with a profound sense of duty, obligation, and determination to the development of our dear state adding that the annual budget presentation transcends bureaucratic ritual."
Governor Otu disclosed that the new budget was the outcome of consultations with civil society, private sector players, NGOs, and the general public adding that his administration would henceforth measure development through the Human Development Index (HDI) rather than GDP.
The governor further promised expanded access to education, healthcare, and electricity for rural entrepreneurs as well as social protection.He revealed plans to operationalise the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP), designed to empower the elderly, women, youth, and vulnerable groups through a non-political, multi-sectoral framework.
Governor Otu disclosed that, the proposed ₦780.59 billion budget marks a 17 percent increase over the 2025 budget with ₦519.6 billion (67%) earmarked for capital expenditure and ₦260.96 billion (33%) for recurrent spending.
For the sectoral distribution, ₦421 billion was allocated to the economic sector, ₦163 billion to social services, ₦164 billion to general administration, ₦28 billion to law and justice, and ₦3.6 billion to regional development.
According to the Governor, the 2026 budget is designed to strengthen the State's revenue base, drive human capital development, and secure a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient State.
On the 2025 fiscal performance, the governor stated that last year’s “Budget of Sustainable Growth” was revised from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion following improved revenue inflows and prudent management of resources. while underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and ethical governance.
He explained that the supplementary budget became necessary due to urgent road repairs, rural electrification, and counterpart funding for national and international projects adding that the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Initiative was introduced to combat preventable deaths among mothers and infants.
The Governor emphasised that, the 2025 budget was performing optimally while listing major road projects including the Adiabo-Ikoneto Road, the dualization of the Esuk Utan–Depot Road, and the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade axis as evidence of his commitment to infrastructural development.
The governor also pointed to remarkable gains in the power and health sectors stating that,
“We have lit up our cities with solar-powered streetlights and energized rural communities through solar mini-grids,".
He added that health facilities across all three senatorial districts had been renovated and equipped, while the new General Hospital in Ikom will soon be completed
Governor Otu further disclosed that, work on the Obudu Passenger and Cargo Airport had reached an advanced stage, while pre-construction negotiations for the Bakassi Deep Seaport were ongoing.
In the area of administration the governor announced that his government had implemented the national minimum wage across all tiers, cleared the first tranche of gratuities for retirees.
He also revealed that fibre optic connectivity has been extended across MDAs for efficient service delivery while land administration had been digitised with resumed issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem commended the Governor for his numerous achievements in different sectors of the state including; reconstruction of major roads, renovation of the State Library Complex as well as Primary Health Care Centers across the State.
The Speaker further applauded Governor Otu for the purchase of two additional Aircrafts, regular payment of salaries and pensions, implementation of staff promotions, approval of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for staff of the Legislature amongst other achievements.
Ayambem described Governor Otu's achievements in the State as "Top-notch" while appreciating his concern for the welfare of Cross Riverians;
"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 informed that the 10th Assembly has excelled in its constitutional function of lawmaking having passed about 45 bills adding that the House Governor has assented to the bills and implemented all the resolutions of the House.
In a vote of thanks, the Leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for presenting the budget on time in line with the Constitution. He assured the governor of the Assembly's support and cooperation in the legislative procedures towards the early passage of the budget.
Itam Offor
