The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, on Tuesday presented a ₦780.59 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth.”
Governor Otu said the proposal aims to consolidate the gains of his administration’s People First agenda, adding that the annual budget presentation represents “a sacred social contract between government and the governed.”
According to him, the 2026 budget was developed through extensive consultations with civil society organizations, private sector players, non-governmental organizations, and citizens.
He announced a policy shift from measuring development through Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Human Development Index (HDI), with a renewed focus on education, healthcare, and rural electrification.
Otu also unveiled plans to operationalize the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP) to empower the elderly, women, youth, and vulnerable groups through a non-political, multi-sectoral approach.
Out of the total ₦780.59 billion, ₦519.6 billion (67%) is allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦260.96 billion (33%) is earmarked for recurrent spending—a 17 percent increase over the 2025 budget.
Sectoral allocations include ₦421 billion 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.
The governor noted that the 2025 “Budget of Sustainable Growth” was revised upward from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion following improved revenue inflows and prudent management, enabling the funding of key projects in road repairs, rural electrification, and maternal and child health.
Highlighting performance under the 2025 fiscal year, Otu said Cross River ranked first nationwide in routine immunization coverage at 95 percent, reflecting the success of the People First policy. Completed and ongoing infrastructure projects include the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road, Esuk Utan–Depot dual carriageway, and Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade Road.
He also cited progress in the power and health sectors, including the installation of solar streetlights, rural mini-grids, renovated hospitals across all senatorial districts, and the near completion of the Ikom General Hospital. All state-owned schools of nursing have also received full accreditation, he said.
Providing updates on flagship projects, the governor disclosed that construction of the Obudu Passenger and Cargo Airport is nearing completion, while negotiations continue for the Bakassi Deep Seaport.
On governance reforms, Otu announced the implementation of the national minimum wage, partial payment of retirees’ gratuities, and the expansion of fibre-optic connectivity across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance service delivery. He added that the state’s land administration system has been fully digitized, with the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy resumed.
Governor Otu concluded that the 2026 budget is designed to strengthen the state’s revenue base, promote human capital development, and build a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Cross River State.
