By Sylvia Akpan
The Cross River State House of Assembly has approved an upward review of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill from nine hundred and sixty one billion, six hundred and twenty four million, forty seven thousand, two hundred and seventy five Naira, eight Kobo (N961,624,047,275.08) to Nine hundred and sixty three billion, seventy four million, four hundred and thirty eight thousand, eighteen Naira, sixty Kobo (N963,074,438,018.60,) representing an increase of N1,450,390,743.52, or 0.15 per cent.
The approval followed the consideration of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation on the revised Supplementary Appropriation Bill by the lawmakers during plenary.
Presenting the Committee’s report, the Chairman, Hon. Cyril James Omini, representing Yakurr II State Constituency, said the upward review brings the total supplementary appropriation to N963.07 billion, reflecting adjustments considered necessary to meet additional financial requirements of the State Government.
Hon. Omini maintained that the review was aimed at achieving strategic objectives, including infrastructure capitalization, counterpart funding, macroeconomic adjustments, and social interventions.
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The lawmaker further listed the key factors necessitating the Supplementary Budget to include unforeseen expenditures, new policy initiatives, increased revenue prospects, improved employment opportunities, and enhanced public service delivery, among others.
According to the Committee Chairman, “The adjustments are intended to promote prudent fiscal management, improve budget implementation, and ensure that available resources are directed towards priority programs and projects capable of delivering greater value to the people of Cross River State, in accordance with His Excellency’s People First mantra.”
The House, after consideration of the revised figures, approved the increase and authorized the implementation of the Supplementary Budget in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The lawmakers expressed satisfaction with the review, noting that it would enable the State Government to address emerging financial needs and strengthen the implementation of its programs and projects for the 2026 fiscal year.
The Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the Finance and Appropriation Committee for what he described as a thorough job. He stressed that the approval of the upward review reflects the Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to scrutinize and approve public expenditure, while promoting accountability and the effective utilization of state resources.
The 10th Assembly’s Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong (Boki II), moved the motion for the Third Reading of the Bill, which was seconded by his Deputy and Member representing Akamkpa II State Constituency, Hon. Linus Bassey Etim.
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