Governor Otu Unveils ₦780.6 Billion 2026 Budget Of Inclusive Growth
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has presented a proposed ₦780.59 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth” aimed at consolidating the achievements of his administration and expanding opportunities for citizens across the state.
Speaking during the budget presentation in Calabar, Governor Otu said the fiscal plan reflects his administration’s People First vision and commitment to equity, accountability, and sustainable development. He emphasized that the exercise was not just a routine constitutional process but a vital social contract between government and the people.
“This budget is a declaration of intent to improve the lives of our citizens,” Otu stated. “It is the result of wide consultations with civil society, private sector players, and development partners, all aimed at ensuring that the people remain at the heart of governance.”
The governor explained that the new fiscal direction would focus on the Human Development Index (HDI) as a measure of progress rather than relying solely on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said his administration would prioritize access to education, healthcare, electricity, and social protection, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
The proposed 2026 budget marks a 17 percent increase over that of 2025, with ₦519.6 billion allocated for capital projects and ₦260.96 billion for recurrent expenditure. According to Otu, the sectoral distribution includes ₦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.
He also disclosed plans to operationalize the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP) to support the elderly, women, youth, and vulnerable groups through a transparent, multi-sectoral system.
Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, Otu said the “Budget of Sustainable Growth” was revised from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion following increased revenue inflows and prudent resource management. The revision, he explained, addressed urgent needs such as rural electrification, road maintenance, and maternal and child health interventions.
He described the 2025 fiscal performance as one of the best in the country, noting that Cross River State ranked first nationwide in routine immunization coverage with 95 percent. “This achievement clearly reflects the success of our People First agenda,” he added.
The governor highlighted key infrastructure achievements including the Adiabo-Ikoneto Road, the dualization of Esuk Utan–Depot Road, and the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade route. He also cited progress in the power and health sectors, noting the installation of solar streetlights, mini-grid systems, and the near completion of the new General Hospital in Ikom.
Otu further announced that the Obudu Passenger and Cargo Airport project was advancing steadily, while negotiations for the Bakassi Deep Seaport were ongoing. “We are building infrastructure that will define our future and position Cross River as a maritime and logistics hub in West Africa,” he said.
On administrative reforms, Otu revealed that his government had implemented the national minimum wage across all tiers, cleared part of outstanding gratuities, and expanded fibre optic connectivity across ministries for efficient service delivery. He added that land administration had been digitized and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy resumed.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance, assuring that the 2026 budget would drive inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for all Cross Riverians.
