Cross River State Unveils ₦780.59 Billion “Inclusive Growth” Budget for 2026
Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu has presented an ambitious ₦780.59 billion budget proposal for 2026 to the State House of Assembly, emphasizing human development and social inclusion as core priorities.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Inclusive Growth,” represents a 17 percent increase from the previous year’s allocation and prioritizes capital expenditure with ₦519.6 billion (67%) while allocating ₦260.96 billion (33%) to recurrent spending.
In his presentation to lawmakers in Calabar, Governor Otu outlined a comprehensive spending plan developed through extensive consultations with civil society organizations, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, and the public. The budget introduces a significant shift in development metrics, moving from GDP-based assessment to the Human Development Index (HDI) as the primary measure of progress.
The sectoral breakdown reveals substantial allocations across key areas: ₦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. A notable initiative includes the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP), designed to support vulnerable populations through a non-partisan framework.
Reviewing the 2025 fiscal year, Otu highlighted several achievements, including Cross River’s leading position in national routine immunization coverage at 95 percent. Infrastructure developments featured prominently, with progress on major road projects such as the Adiabo-Ikoneto Road, Esuk Utan–Depot Road dualization, and the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade axis.
The administration reported significant advances in healthcare, with renovated facilities across all senatorial districts and successful accreditation of nursing schools. Energy infrastructure saw improvements through solar-powered streetlights and rural mini-grids, while the Obudu Passenger and Cargo Airport project progressed substantially.
Administrative achievements included implementing the national minimum wage, addressing retiree gratuities, and modernizing government operations through fiber optic connectivity and digital land administration systems.
Looking forward, Governor Otu emphasized that the 2026 budget aims to strengthen the state’s revenue base while promoting human capital development and ensuring Cross River’s position as a key maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.
The budget awaits legislative approval, with implementation expected to begin in the new fiscal year, marking a continued commitment to the administration’s “People First” philosophy.
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