Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has presented a N780.6 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, dubbed the “Budget of Inclusive Growth”, to the State House of Assembly. The proposed budget represents a 17% increase from the previous year’s budget and aims to consolidate the gains of the administration’s “People First philosophy”.
According to Governor Otu, the budget was formulated after extensive consultations with civil society, private sector players, and the general public. The N780.6 billion budget allocates N519.6 billion for capital expenditure and N260.9 billion for recurrent expenditure. Sectoral allocations include N421 billion for the economic sector, N163 billion for social services, N164 billion for administration, N28 billion for justice, and N3.6 billion for regional development.
The governor emphasized that the budget is designed to strengthen the state’s revenue base, drive human capital growth, and secure a prosperous and resilient Cross River. He also reflected on the 2025 budget, which was revised from N538 billion to N642 billion due to improved revenue performance. A supplementary budget of N104 billion was implemented to address urgent road repairs, rural electrification, and funding for maternal and neonatal health initiatives.
Governor Otu highlighted the successes of the 2025 budget, citing a 95% immunization coverage as evidence of effective governance and proper utilization of the budget. He also listed key road projects, such as the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road and Esuk Utan–Depot dualisation, as proof of progress and tangible gains from the 2025 budget. Additionally, the governor noted progress in the energy and health sectors, including the installation of solar streetlights and mini-grids powering rural communities.
The renovation of health centers in all three senatorial districts and the near completion of the General Hospital at Ikom were also mentioned as notable achievements. The governor’s presentation of the 2026 budget marks a significant step towards achieving the state’s development goals, with a focus on inclusive growth and prosperity. The budget’s approval and implementation will be closely watched as the state seeks to build on the progress made in the previous year.