Cross River 2026 budget focuses on inclusive growth as Governor Bassey Otu presents ₦780.59bn plan to boost human capital and infrastructure

Cross River 2026 budget has been unveiled by Governor Bassey Otu, with a total outlay of ₦780.59 billion designed to advance inclusive growth and consolidate the gains of his administration’s People First philosophy.

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Presenting the Appropriation Bill before the State House of Assembly in Calabar on Tuesday, Governor Otu described the financial plan as a “budget of inclusive growth,” reflecting his government’s determination to measure success by the quality of life of citizens rather than by GDP figures.

He said the Cross River 2026 budget was shaped through broad consultations with civil society, private sector actors, and the general public, adding that development henceforth would be assessed using the Human Development Index.

“We will judge progress by how much better our people live, learn, and thrive,” Otu declared, pledging greater access to education, healthcare, electricity, and social protection for vulnerable groups.

The governor revealed that ₦519.6 billion, representing 67 per cent of the total budget, is allocated to capital expenditure, while ₦260.96 billion, or 33 per cent, will cover recurrent spending.

The economic sector receives ₦421 billion, social services ₦163 billion, general administration ₦164 billion, law and justice ₦28 billion, and regional development ₦3.6 billion.

According to Otu, the 2026 fiscal plan represents a 17 per cent increase over 2025’s revised budget, signalling an ambitious commitment to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen revenue generation, and enhance transparency.

Reflecting on fiscal performance in 2025, Otu noted that the Budget of Sustainable Growth had been revised from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion following improved revenues and prudent management.

He emphasised that his government “cannot spend an extra kobo without the legal instrument of appropriation,” underscoring a renewed adherence to ethical governance.

Among key achievements, the governor cited major road construction works, advances in power infrastructure, and healthcare gains, including Cross River’s top national ranking in routine immunisation coverage at 95 per cent.

He highlighted ongoing projects such as the Obudu Passenger and Cargo Airport and the Bakassi Deep Seaport, positioning Cross River as a future maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.

Governor Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to welfare reforms, confirming the implementation of the national minimum wage across all tiers, clearance of gratuities for retirees, and extension of digital fibre optic connectivity across government agencies for efficient service delivery.

“Our focus remains clear — to deliver a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Cross River State where every citizen feels the impact of development,” Otu said confidently.

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The unveiling of the Cross River 2026 budget marks another step in the administration’s drive to combine fiscal discipline with people-centred governance, reflecting a powerfully optimistic vision for the year ahead.