CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has sustained an upward fiscal trajectory from 2024 to 2026, reflecting expanding ambition in governance, social protection, and capital development, Truth Live News reports.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu signed the ₦961 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the Government House, Calabar, describing it as “a statement of purpose” and a commitment to inclusive prosperity.
He said the 2026 budget represents a development blueprint designed to address present economic realities while laying foundations for long-term growth, accountability, and social stability across Cross River State.
The governor commended the Cross River State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayamben, for diligence and transparency, noting that collaboration strengthened public confidence in the budgeting process.
In 2024, the state operated the “People First Budget,” estimated at about ₦296 billion, prioritising basic infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare, according to Leadership Newspaper and official state fiscal disclosures.
Government performance reviews indicated about 85 per cent budget execution in 2024, reflecting moderate fiscal discipline, though analysts noted limited transformational impact due to weak internally generated revenue, CrossRiverState.gov.ng reports.
Critics, however, raised ethical concerns over expenditure priorities in 2024, citing administrative projects that appeared disproportionate to allocations for health and education, according to CrossRiverWatch analysis.
In December 2024, Governor Otu signed the ₦538.5 billion 2025 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Sustainable Growth,” expanding the state’s fiscal scope amid rising development demands.
The Cross River State House of Assembly later approved a ₦642 billion supplementary budget for 2025, reflecting emerging obligations and infrastructure pressures, according to The Guardian Nigeria.
State officials projected up to 90 per cent performance for the 2025 budget, citing improved monitoring, planning frameworks, and fiscal coordination, CrossRiverState.gov.ng disclosed.
Despite improved projections, revenue data for early 2025 showed continued dependence on federal allocations, underscoring ethical concerns about sustainability and debt exposure.
Building on earlier budgets, the ₦961 billion 2026 budget significantly expands capital investment, with emphasis on infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, and social protection.
Governor Otu said roads, bridges, urban renewal, and rural connectivity projects would unlock economic opportunities and reduce inequality across communities.
Human capital development remains central in 2026, with increased allocations for school infrastructure, teacher development, and skills acquisition to prepare youths for a modern economy.
Healthcare and social welfare also received priority funding, with targeted interventions aimed at expanding medical facilities and strengthening social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
Comparatively, the 2024 budget focused on foundational welfare with modest fiscal capacity, the 2025 budget expanded operational reach amid revenue strain, while the 2026 budget signals a shift toward inclusive growth and scale.
Ethically, the progression reflects government’s attempt to balance ambition with accountability, as rising budgets heighten public expectations for transparent execution and measurable social outcomes.
Separately, the Cross River State Government announced federally approved public holidays for December 25, 26, and January 1, alongside a state-approved work-free day on December 29, according to a Ministry of Information statement.
The statement, signed by Information Commissioner Erasmus Ekpang, said the work-free day would enable full participation in the 2025 Carnival Calabar while ensuring public safety and order, Ministry of Information disclosed.
At the close of the fiscal announcements, Governor Otu extended Christmas felicitations to Christians, urging residents to celebrate with peace, humility, and love, according to the Ministry’s Christmas goodwill message.
He encouraged citizens to reflect on the season’s values, support security agencies, and remain vigilant, while wishing all residents a memorable Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2026, the statement added.