Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Cross River State has expanded its 2025 fiscal plan by N104 billion, following Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s assent to a Supplementary Appropriation Bill, raising the budget from N538 billion to N642 billion.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in the State Executive Chambers, Calabar, Governor Otu described the supplementary budget as a bold response to pressing economic realities and fresh growth opportunities.
“This supplementary appropriation will reposition our state for accelerated growth. Every kobo will be spent prudently for the benefit of all Cross Riverians,” Otu assured.
According to him, the additional allocation will be directed towards completing major infrastructure projects, boosting agricultural value chains, enhancing healthcare and education, improving security, and creating jobs through targeted investments.
The governor also signed three other laws designed to reinforce fiscal and developmental reforms.
The Cross River State Counterpart Funds (Amendment) Law 2025 aims to improve transparency and efficiency in managing donor and counterpart funds. The Cross River State Roads Funds Law 2025 establishes a dedicated fund for rural and semi-urban road development, while the Cross River State Electricity Law 2025 creates a framework for state-level power generation and distribution.
Governor Otu said the Electricity Law would open new frontiers for industrial growth and improve energy access across the state in line with recent constitutional amendments.
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the governor for what he described as strategic fiscal discipline and vision.
Ayambem noted that the supplementary budget and newly signed laws “align with constitutional provisions while targeting priority sectors across governance, economic growth, healthcare, justice, regional integration, and social services.”
He pledged that the Assembly would continue to support the administration’s development agenda with the legislative backing required to fast-track delivery.
