The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, on Tuesday presented a ₦780.59 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
Tagged the “Budget of Inclusive Growth,” the proposal seeks to consolidate on the gains of the 2025 fiscal year, which centred on the administration’s People First agenda.
Presenting the budget, Governor Otu described it as a “sacred, social contract between the government and its citizens, a public declaration of collective intent towards the development of Cross River State.”
He explained that the 2026 proposal was developed through wide-ranging consultations with civil society groups, private sector representatives, non-governmental organisations and the general public.
In line with his administration’s People First philosophy, Otu announced that the state would henceforth adopt the Human Development Index (HDI), rather than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as the key measure of progress.
“We will judge progress by how much better our people live, learn, and thrive. The impact of development must be felt in the lives of our people,” he said
The governor said the proposed ₦780.59 billion budget represents a 17 per cent increase over the 2025 fiscal year. Of the total, ₦519.6 billion (67%) is earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦260.96 billion (33%) is for recurrent spending.
On sectoral allocations, Otu disclosed that the Economic Sector would receive ₦421 billion, Social Services ₦163 billion, General Administration ₦164 billion, Law and Justice ₦28 billion, and Regional Development ₦3.6 billion.
“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 said.
Otu recalled that the 2025 “Budget of Sustainable Growth”, initially pegged at ₦538 billion, was later revised upward to ₦642 billion due to improved revenue inflows and prudent financial management.
He said the upward review was necessary to address urgent infrastructure needs and provide counterpart funding for national and international projects.
Highlighting key achievements, the governor cited the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Initiative, which has significantly improved maternal and child health outcomes. He noted that Cross River ranked first nationwide in routine immunisation coverage at 95 per cent, underscoring the success of the People First agenda.
He added that several signature infrastructure projects initiated under the 2025 budget were nearing completion within approved timelines.
Otu commended the state legislature and judiciary for their cooperation, noting that their support had strengthened his administration’s resolve to accelerate development across rural and urban communities.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, lauded the governor’s achievements, particularly in infrastructure development, and urged the executive to address outstanding challenges before the end of the current fiscal year.
He described the budget presentation as being in compliance with Sections 108(1) and 121(1) of the amended 1999 Constitution, which mandates timely submission of the Appropriation Bill.
“As a legislature, we are willing and ready to make valuable sacrifices and contributions towards ensuring cordiality among the three arms of government for the benefit of our people,” the Speaker said.
He added that the Assembly would continue to enact laws that promote good governance, transparency, and accountability, while enhancing service delivery.
Ayambem expressed optimism that the 2026 Budget of Inclusive Growth would sustain progress in education, infrastructure, and investment promotion.
“We are hopeful that quality education will continue to be guaranteed, roads and other infrastructure upgraded, and more investment opportunities attracted to our state,” he said.
