Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has signed the N961 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, infrastructure expansion and social protection.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Government House, Governor Otu described the budget as more than a fiscal document, saying it reflects the policy direction of his government.
“This budget is more than a legal appropriation; it is our blueprint for economic transformation, social protection, and the delivery of tangible dividends of democracy to our people,” the governor said.
He explained that the 2026 budget was deliberately structured to address immediate socio-economic challenges while laying a foundation for long-term development, with strong emphasis on capital expenditure.
According to Otu, major allocations were made to infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy and social welfare, noting that capital projects would stimulate economic activity across the state.
“By prioritising roads, bridges, urban renewal, and rural connectivity, we are unlocking new economic opportunities across our cities and communities,” he stated.
The governor also underscored the importance of human capital development, stressing that education and healthcare remain central to the state’s growth agenda.
“Our education sector remains central to our future,” Otu said, adding that the budget provides for improved learning facilities, teacher development and better educational outcomes.
He assured citizens that healthcare expansion and social protection programmes were designed to ensure that “no one will be left behind.”
Governor Otu commended the Cross River State House of Assembly for what he described as a transparent and collaborative budget process.
“I commend the legislature for its diligence, transparency and patriotism,” he said, noting that the engagement with civil society and economic managers reflected global best practices and would strengthen accountability.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayamben, said lawmakers subjected the budget to rigorous scrutiny to ensure it aligned with public interest.
“This House has a duty to speak for every segment of our society,” Ayamben said. “We reviewed the budget framework to ensure adequate allocation for institutional strengthening, security response and citizen protection.”
He noted that the strong capital orientation of the budget would drive wealth creation and economic expansion across the state.
“From roads and power infrastructure to education and healthcare, every allocation reflects the needs and aspirations of our people,” the Speaker stated.
Both the executive and legislature highlighted provisions for women and youth empowerment, with targeted investments in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.
As he signed the bill into law, Governor Otu reaffirmed his commitment to partnership with the legislature, saying, “Together, we will deliver on the promise of greatness for Cross River State.”
