Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, has presented a ₦780.6 billion “Budget of Inclusive Growth” for the 2026 fiscal year, pledging to deepen economic development, social inclusion, and infrastructure renewal across the state.
Otu, while presenting the budget to the Cross River State House of Assembly, said the proposal consolidates the gains of his administration’s People First philosophy and reflects “a renewed commitment to inclusive prosperity.”
Key Highlights of the 2026 Budget
- Total Budget Size: ₦780.6 billion — a 17% increase from 2025.
- Capital Expenditure: ₦519.6 billion
- Recurrent Expenditure: ₦260.9 billion
- Sectoral Allocations:
- ₦421 billion — Economic Sector
- ₦163 billion — Social Services
- ₦164 billion — Administration
- ₦28 billion — Justice
- ₦3.6 billion — Regional Development
- ₦421 billion — Economic Sector
“This budget is designed to strengthen our revenue base, drive human capital growth, and secure a prosperous and resilient Cross River,” Otu said.
Fiscal Discipline and Accountability
The governor assured that fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability will remain the cornerstone of his administration’s financial management.
“We cannot spend an extra kobo without the legal instrument of appropriation,” he stated.
Otu explained that the 2025 budget, tagged “Budget of Sustainable Growth”, had been revised upward from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion following improved revenue performance.
He noted that a supplementary budget of ₦104 billion was approved to fund critical road repairs, rural electrification, and maternal and neonatal health programmes.
Infrastructure and Human Development Gains
Governor Otu highlighted the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road, Esuk Utan–Depot dual carriageway, and the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade Road corridor as key achievements under the 2025 fiscal year.
He said the administration also achieved 95% immunisation coverage, reflecting strong performance in the health sector, while rural communities now benefit from solar-powered streetlights and mini-grids that enhance energy access.
Additionally, the renovation of primary healthcare centres across the state’s three senatorial districts is nearing completion, alongside the Ikom General Hospital project, which he described as a milestone in Cross River’s health infrastructure renewal.
Inclusive Growth Through Strategic Planning
Governor Otu said the 2026 budget was formulated through broad consultations with civil society, private sector stakeholders, and citizens, ensuring that the plan reflects the people’s needs.
“We are building a Cross River that works for everyone — from the farmer in Obubra to the trader in Calabar and the youth entrepreneur in Ogoja,” Otu declared.
He assured residents that the Budget of Inclusive Growth will accelerate employment creation, industrial growth, and access to essential services, positioning Cross River as one of Nigeria’s most competitive sub-national economies.
BRANDECONOMY Insight: A Blueprint for Balanced Development
Analysts say Otu’s ₦780.6bn inclusive growth agenda reflects a maturing fiscal framework — one that aligns with Nigeria’s subnational development goals while prioritising sustainability, accountability, and shared prosperity.
The focus on economic diversification, infrastructure, and social impact projects suggests a deliberate strategy to attract investment, enhance internally generated revenue (IGR), and bridge rural-urban inequality.
If effectively implemented, the 2026 Cross River budget could set a benchmark for people-centred governance and inclusive state-level growth across the federation.
