By Beatrice Ori
Following the Training on Budget Monitoring, Tracking, and Advocacy organized by Basic Rights Counsel Initiatives (BRCI), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria held on July 30, 2024, the Cross River State Government last week completed the Consultative Forum in preparation for the 2025 budget.
The process, which took place at Ogoja (Northern Senatorial District), Ikom (Central), and Dr. Franklin Ani Auditorium in Calabar, witnessed robust participation by community members, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), village heads, chiefs, traders, youth forums, and students across the State.
The Special Adviser on Budget to Governor Bassey Otu, Mr. Otu Otu Ita, who convened the meetings, updated participants on the government’s budget implementation activities from January to July 2024.
It is said to have offered a platform for community members – ActionAid Nigeria/Basic Rights Counsel Initiative Local Rights Program) in Biase, Bekwarra, and Obubra LGAs to share their concerns and contribute to the next budget formulation process.
Speaking at the event, Amb. Happiness Ogban highlighted the deplorable state of the road in Abredang community, which has also affected Abapia, Ijom, Abamba, and Abaribara communities, all in Abayong Ward of Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.
She emphasized how the poor condition of the road has crippled economic activities, preventing farmers from transporting their crops to markets and reducing their ability to contribute taxes, thus lowering the economic status of the state.
The Consultative Forum underscored the importance of inclusive participation in the budgetary process to ensure that key community challenges are addressed.