The Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has said that N16.3 Billion Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) growth was recorded between January 2024 and May 2024, by his administration.
Also, he said during the same period in 2023, N10.5 Billion was realized representing 55% growth.
He made this known in a statewide address to Mark his one year in office.
According to him, the growth of IGR from N20.5 Billion in 2022 to N30.8 Billion in 2023 was representing an increase of 50.24%.”
Again, It also grew by 60.6% or N22.6 Billion from June 2023 to N36 Billion in May 2024.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Comrade Nsa Gill, in a WhatsApp post on Wednesday confirmed that Governor Otu said the growth was the immediate impact of all the government’s innovations.
During the same period, Otu also said that the State had moved from its permanent 28th position to the first 10 States in accountability index.
This according to him was made possible through its timely delivery of records to relevant authorities.
In addition, the governor announced that Cross River State is currently second to Lagos State in the prospective advancement index.
He said the advancement index considers the State’s potential resources and organisational plans.
Moreso, the Governor’s address touched on various sectors of the economy.
He said within one year in office, his administration has been able to lay a solid foundation for a strong economy in the state.
He reflected on his administration’s achievement in various sectors, including education, infrastructure, digital innovation, agriculture, health, and economic development.
He highlighted efforts to revitalize the state’s economy, improve infrastructure, enhance security, promote agriculture, and strengthen healthcare services.
Meanwhile, the Governor has also emphasized the importance of continuity in governance and the need for sustainable development initiatives.
He said efforts were made to regain lost state assets of the state such as Tinapa, Oban Palm Plantation and Akamkpa Rubber Plantation, among others.
To address the need for energy security, he disclosed that the State government is bidding for the Odukpani Power Plant and desires joint ownership of the UNIDO Power Plant in Obudu.