By CrossRiverWatch Admin
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has presented a proposed budget of ₦987, 808, 089, 235.92bn for the 2027 fiscal year christened: The Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope.
Presenting the budget before the lawmakers at the Assembly Complex in Calabar, Governor Otu described the proposed estimates as ” a Solemn and sacred pact laden with the trust, expectation and aspiration of the people for their improved livelihoods”.
The 2027 proposed budget represents an increase of about 2.57 percent increase over the 2026 budget was prepared to consolidate the achievements of his administration while addressing critical developmental needs in key sectors of the state’s economy.
According to him, the proposed expenditure comprises ₦279.38 bn or 28.28 percent for recurrent expenditure and ₦708.43 bn for capital expenditure, representing 71.72 per cent of the total budget respectively.
He explained that the substantial capital allocation reflects his administration’s commitment to prioritize infrastructure, human capital development and productive investment to stimulate economic activities.
On the state’s debt profile, Governor Otu disclosed that his administration had refrained from domestic and external loans since assumption of office stressing that debt servicing from previous administrations had constrained the pace of development projects.
“I cannot, and will never mortgage the future of our children with unsustainable loans,” he declared.
On sectoral allocations, the Governor stated that ₦246.1bn had been earmarked for infrastructure and road development, followed by education with N99.6bn to strengthen educational infrastructure and improve the quality of learning across the state.
The health sector is projected to receive ₦85.4bn to improve healthcare delivery, agriculture has N28.2bn and aviation N21.8bn.
Other provisions include N20.2 bn for the House of Assembly, N19.1bn for the Judiciary, N16.6bn for power and N11.3 bn for Tourism.
The Governor assured that the budget will continue to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while promising continuity in uncompleted projects. He also pledged continued investment in forest conservation and the green economy, Judicial Infrastructure, security and youth empowerment.
Governor Otu further highlighted his administration’s plans to improve internally generated revenue, attract private-sector investment and strengthen fiscal discipline to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
“My administration shall continue to be responsive to the yearnings of the citizenry, prudent in the management of the State’s resources and accountable to the people. l will continue to work with the legislature and Judiciary for the betterment of the State.”
He commended the 10th Assembly for hardwork and urged the lawmakers to give the proposed estimates the necessary legislative consideration and speedy passage to facilitate the timely execution of government programs and projects.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the Governor for presenting the budget which demonstrates his respect for democratic institutions. He assured Governor Otu of the Assembly’s commitment to a thorough legislative examination of the estimates.
The Speaker said the House would scrutinize the proposals to ensure that the budget reflect the needs and aspirations of Cross Riverians as well as promote transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
“I wish to assure you, your Excellency and the good people of Cross River State that this Assembly will subject the estimates to thorough, rigorous and expeditious scrutiny”.
Speaker Ayambem assured that the Assembly will engage with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that the budget promotes even development across the State and is implemented within available resources.
He commended the Governor for zero tolerance for cultism, kidnapping, and other social vices which has restored peace and tranquility in the State adding that the 10th Assembly remains committed to providing robust legislative support to the Executive for the benefit of Cross Riverians.
“We have passed critical bills and motions aimed at strengthening governance, improving the ease of doing business and ensuring the welfare and security of Cross Riverians. We have diligently performed our oversight functions to ensure that projects and programs captured in the 2026 Budget are executed to specification for the benefit of our people.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker – Matthew Okache, the Speaker hailed Governor Otu for his achievements in the various sectors of the state while appealing for the Governor’s assistance in the comprehensive renovation of the Assembly Complex and Quarters as well as the provision of buses for the Assembly’s use.
The event featured presentation and cutting of birthday cake by the Governor who recently turned 67 years as well as good will messages from Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong (Boki 2) and Rt. Hon. Davies Etta (Abi ) and a vote of thanks from the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuqu ( Odukpani).
Present at the event were; the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Eno, Service Chiefs, Members of the State Executive Council, Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission amongst other dignitaries.
The 2027 budget estimates will undergo the necessary legislative processes in line with constitutional provisions before it’s passage.
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