Cross River Gov’t Reaffirms Fiscal Responsibility, Engages Public on 2025 Budget Transparency
By Ebi Collins
DEMONSTRATING a strong commitment to fiscal discipline and open governance, the Cross River State Government has presented its 2025 approved budget to civil society organisations, the media, and other non-state actors, reinforcing its pledge to transparency, accountability, and inclusive budgeting.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Mr. Otu Otu-Ita, presented an overview of the state’s first-quarter budget performance, reporting ₦55.5 billion in total revenue and ₦33.46 billion in expenditure. Capital expenditure accounted for 35% of total spending, a strong indication of the administration’s continued focus on infrastructure and development.
“Overhead costs accounted for 50% of the spending, and debt servicing took up 25%,” Otu-Ita explained. “While the debt servicing ratio may rise due to existing contractual obligations, the government remains committed to meeting its responsibilities without compromising financial discipline.”
He stressed that no new loans had been secured in the 2025 fiscal year so far, reflecting Governor Bassey Otu’s policy of prudent borrowing and responsible fiscal management. “We are managing resources efficiently, and this restraint underscores our dedication to sustainable development,” he added.
Highlighting the cost of debt, Otu-Ita urged stakeholders to consider its broader implications: “That 25% going to debt servicing could significantly impact education, healthcare, and other vital sectors. We are mindful of these trade-offs and are focused on balancing our obligations with our development goals.”
The session sparked thoughtful engagement from civil society actors. Executive Secretary of BTAN, Mr. Kingsley Eworo, welcomed the openness of the engagement but called for renewed action on pending institutional frameworks. He urged the government to expedite the reconstitution of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee and to deepen collaboration with strategic offices like that of the Accountant General.
“There are high hopes riding on this administration,” Eworo said. “A fully functional OGP action plan and greater stakeholder inclusion are crucial to maintaining the trust and momentum already building.”
Similarly, Ukeme Ekong, a representative of the OGP in Cross River, acknowledged the progress made — including the online publication of the budget — but pressed for a return to the state’s commitments under the OGP framework.
“We need to strengthen what’s already working and realign ourselves with the principles of openness, participation, and accountability. Cross River has been a leader in this space before — we can lead again,” she said.
The forum ended with renewed pledges for partnership between government and civil society, with stakeholders agreeing that transparency, citizen engagement, and strong institutions remain the pillars of lasting development.
