Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has presented a N780.59 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth” that prioritizes human capital, maritime infrastructure, and digital innovation to consolidate the gains of his “People First” philosophy.
Speaking before members of the Cross River State House of Assembly in Calabar, Governor Otu said the new fiscal plan reflects “a sacred social contract between government and the governed,” aimed at translating growth into tangible benefits for citizens.
“I approached this task with a profound sense of duty and determination. Our budget presentation is not a bureaucratic ritual but a declaration of our collective resolve to enhance the well-being of our people,” he said.
The governor announced a shift in development focus from Gross Domestic Product to the Human Development Index, noting that “development must be measured by how much better our people live, learn, and thrive.” He explained that education, healthcare, and electricity access for rural entrepreneurs would serve as key indicators of progress.
He added that the 2026 fiscal strategy would operationalize the Cross River Social Investment Programme, CRSIP, a multi-sectoral, non-political framework to empower women, youth, the elderly, and vulnerable groups. “We are moving from promises to performance. This budget captures the essence of shared prosperity,” Otu affirmed.
Of the N780.59 billion total budget, N519.6 billion (67%) is allocated to capital expenditure, while N260.96 billion (33%) is earmarked for recurrent spending, marking a 17 percent increase from 2025.
“This shows our commitment to growth and investment,” the governor said. Sectorally, N421 billion goes to the economic sector, N163 billion to social services, N164 billion to general administration, N28 billion to law and justice, and N3.6 billion to regional development.
Governor Otu further revealed that the state was accelerating its maritime vision, with “pre-construction negotiations for the Bakassi Deep Seaport already ongoing.” According to him, the deep seaport remains a central pillar in repositioning Cross River as “a maritime and logistics hub in West Africa.” He added: “We are not just building infrastructure; we are building the future.”
On infrastructure, he cited several ongoing projects including the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road, dualization of the Esuk Utan–Depot Road, and the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade axis.
“Every project we undertake is strategically aligned to unlock trade, tourism, and energy access,” Otu said, reaffirming the state’s ambition to become a logistics and business gateway.
Reflecting on the 2025 fiscal year, the governor said last year’s “Budget of Sustainable Growth” was revised from N538 billion to N642 billion following improved revenue inflows. “Our performance speaks for itself. Cross River ranked number one nationwide in routine immunization coverage at 95 percent, proof that our People First agenda is working,” he declared.
Governor Otu also highlighted achievements in power and digital infrastructure.
“We have lit up our cities with solar-powered streetlights and energized rural communities through mini-grids. Fibre optic connectivity now runs across all MDAs, boosting efficiency, while our land administration system has been digitized to improve transparency and service delivery.”
In the health sector, he announced that every School of Nursing in Cross River has achieved full accreditation and that the Ikom General Hospital is nearing completion. “We have renovated health facilities across all senatorial districts to ensure that quality healthcare is within reach for every citizen,” he added.
The governor said his administration had implemented the national minimum wage across all tiers of government, cleared gratuity arrears, and commenced the second phase of payments. “We will continue to prioritize workers’ welfare, because a motivated workforce is critical to inclusive growth,” he stated.
Governor Otu concluded with an assurance that the 2026 budget was crafted to strengthen the state’s revenue base, deepen private sector confidence, and expand socio-economic opportunities. “This budget is not just numbers on paper, it is a roadmap to prosperity, peace, and resilience,” he said.
