Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, described the state’s budget as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth,” referring to it as the “Budget of Inclusive Growth” that the state legislature will be hearing from the state legislature in 2026.
Governor Otu cited the proposal as a “sacred social contract between government and the governed” as it aims to consolidate the gains of his administration’s People First agenda.
He claims that extensive consultations with citizens, civil society organizations, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, and citizens led to the creation of the 2026 budget.
He made a policy switch, moving from Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Human Development Index (HDI), promising to concentrate on improving rural communities’ access to electricity, healthcare, and education.
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The governor made it known that the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP) would be run in a non-political, multi-sectoral manner to empower the elderly, women, youth, and other vulnerable groups.
A 17 percent increase over the proposed budget of 2025 results in a 519.6 billion (67%) allocation to capital expenditure, while a 260.96 billion (33%) is designated for recurrent spending. The economic sector receives 421 billion dollars, 163 billion for social services, 164 billion for general administration, 28 billion for law and justice, and 33.6 billion for regional development.
Following improved revenue inflows and prudent resource management, Governor Otu noted that the “Budget of Sustainable Growth” for 2025 was revised from 538 billion to 642 billion. He claimed that the adjustment provided funding for crucial initiatives like maternal and child health initiatives like road repairs and rural electrification.
The governor cited the success of the People First policy, which helped Cross River rank first nationwide in routine immunization coverage at 95%, underlining the year’s performance. He cited completed and ongoing projects, including the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade Road and the Esuk Utan–Depot dual carriageway.
Otu also mentioned improvements to healthcare and power, including the completion of the Ikom General Hospital and the installation of solar streetlights in rural areas. He added that the state’s nursing schools are now fully accredited.
The governor disclosed that negotiations are raging for the Bakassi Deep Seaport while the governor provided updates on the infrastructure.
In terms of governance, Otu announced the full implementation of the national minimum wage, the expansion of fiber optic connectivity across MDAs, and the partial approval of retirees’ gratuities. He also confirmed that Certificates of Occupancy have been issued again, and that the state’s land administration system has been reworked.
Source: Channels TV
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