Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has presented a total budget estimate of ₦780.59 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth”.
The budget Otu explained is aimed at consolidating the gains of his administration’s People First philosophy.
Presenting the Appropriation Bill before lawmakers on Tuesday in Calabar, Governor Otu said he approached the exercise “with a profound sense of duty, obligation, and determination to the development of our dear state.” He added that the annual budget presentation “transcends bureaucratic ritual; it is a sacred social contract between government and the governed—a public declaration of collective intent to enhance the well-being of our people.”
Unveiling his fiscal vision for 2026, the governor said the new budget was the product of wide consultations with civil society groups, private sector players, NGOs, and the general public. He announced a major policy shift from assessing growth by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Human Development Index (HDI), stating that the administration would henceforth measure progress by “how much better our people live, learn, and thrive.”
According to Otu, the 2026 budget will focus on expanding access to education, healthcare, electricity, and social protection for rural entrepreneurs and vulnerable groups. He disclosed plans to operationalize the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP) to empower the elderly, women, youths, and the physically challenged through a non-political, multi-sectoral framework.
The ₦780.59 billion proposal represents a 17 percent increase over the 2025 budget. A breakdown shows ₦519.6 billion (67%) allocated for capital expenditure and ₦260.96 billion (33%) for recurrent spending. 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.
“This budget is designed to strengthen our revenue base, drive human capital development, and secure a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Cross River State,” the governor stated.
Reflecting on the 2025 fiscal year, Otu said last year’s Budget of Sustainable Growth was revised upward from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion following improved revenue inflows and prudent fiscal management. He noted that the supplementary budget was necessary to fund urgent road repairs, rural electrification, and counterpart financing for national and international development projects.
Among key interventions, the governor cited the launch of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Initiative, aimed at tackling preventable deaths among mothers and infants, as one that warranted immediate funding.
He described the 2025 budget performance as “one of the best in the country,” listing major road projects such as the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road, dualization of Esuk Utan–Depot Road, and the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade corridor as visible evidence of progress.
“Our budget is performing optimally. Cross River ranked number one nationwide in routine immunization coverage with 95 percent—a clear proof that our People First agenda is working,” Otu declared.
He highlighted gains in the power and health sectors, noting that several communities have been electrified through solar mini-grids, while cities are now illuminated with solar-powered streetlights. “Health facilities across all three senatorial districts have been renovated and equipped, while the new General Hospital in Ikom is nearing completion. Every School of Nursing in Cross River has now met accreditation standards,” he affirmed.
On infrastructure, Otu disclosed that construction work on the Obudu Passenger and Cargo Airport had reached an advanced stage, while negotiations for the Bakassi Deep Seaport were ongoing. “We are not just providing infrastructure,” he said, “we are building the future—restoring Cross River as a maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.”
He further revealed that his administration had implemented the national minimum wage across all tiers, cleared the first tranche of retirees’ gratuities, and commenced payment of the second. Additionally, he announced that fibre optic connectivity had been extended across government ministries, departments, and agencies to enhance service delivery, while land administration has been digitized with resumed issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
Governor Otu concluded by assuring that the 2026 budget would “sustain fiscal discipline, prioritize human capital, and accelerate inclusive growth for all Cross Riverians.”
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