By Abasi Ita
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Tuesday presented a proposed budget of ₦780.59 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly in Calabar.
He described it as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth,” aimed at deepening the gains of his administration’s People First philosophy and promoting equitable development across the state.
In his budget speech to lawmakers, Governor Otu said the budget presentation represented more than an annual formality, describing it as “a sacred social contract between government and the governed.” He said the 2026 fiscal plan was the product of broad consultations with civil society groups, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
The governor explained that the new budget would shift the focus of development measurement from the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Human Development Index (HDI), emphasizing the importance of human welfare over economic statistics. “We will judge progress by how much better our people live, learn, and thrive,” Otu said, pledging improved access to education, healthcare, and electricity, especially for rural communities.
According to him, the ₦780.59 billion budget represents a 17 percent increase over the 2025 figure. Of this, ₦519.6 billion (67 percent) is earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦260.96 billion (33 percent) is for recurrent spending. The sectoral allocation includes ₦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.
Governor Otu said the 2026 budget seeks to strengthen the state’s revenue base, promote human capital development, and ensure a peaceful and resilient Cross River State.
He also announced plans to operationalize the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP), which will empower the elderly, women, youth, and vulnerable groups through a transparent, non-political framework.
Reviewing the 2025 fiscal year, the governor noted that the “Budget of Sustainable Growth” was revised from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion due to increased revenue inflows and prudent resource management.
Otu attributed the adjustment to urgent needs such as road rehabilitation, rural electrification, and funding for maternal and neonatal health initiatives.
“Our budget is performing optimally,” Otu said. “Cross River ranked number one nationwide in routine immunization coverage with 95 percent, a clear proof that our People First agenda is working.” He cited major road projects including the Adiabo-Ikoneto Road, the Esuk Utan–Depot Road dualization, and the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade corridor as evidence of tangible development.
The governor also highlighted progress in the power and health sectors, noting the expansion of solar street lighting and mini-grid electrification projects in rural communities. He added that the new General Hospital in Ikom was nearing completion and that all Schools of Nursing in the state had achieved full accreditation.
Otu disclosed that work on the Obudu Passenger and Cargo Airport was at an advanced stage, while negotiations for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project were ongoing. “We are not just building infrastructure,” he said. “We are building the future, restoring Cross River as a maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.”
On governance reforms, the governor announced that his administration had fully implemented the national minimum wage, cleared part of outstanding gratuities for retirees, and improved digital connectivity across ministries and departments. He added that land administration had been digitized and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy had resumed.
Governor Otu concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development, assuring citizens that the 2026 budget would “leave no one behind.”