From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has presented a proposed ₦987.8 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, outlining plans to prioritise infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and economic diversification.
The governor, who presented the estimates on Wednesday in Calabar, christened the proposal the “Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable development, fiscal discipline and inclusive economic growth.
Presenting the estimates, Otu described the budget as more than an aggregation of figures, calling it “a solemn and sacred pact laden with the trust, expectation and aspiration of the people for their improved livelihoods.”
He said successful implementation would depend on prudent resource management, accountability and disciplined public expenditure, adding that his administration remained committed to translating its social contract with the people into tangible improvements in their living conditions.
The proposed budget, valued at precisely ₦987,808,089,235.92, represents an increase of approximately 2.57 per cent over the 2026 budget.
Capital expenditure accounts for ₦708.43 billion, representing 71.72 per cent of the total provision, while recurrent expenditure stands at ₦279.38 billion, or 28.28 per cent.
According to the governor, the substantial capital allocation reflects his administration’s determination to prioritise infrastructure, human capital development and productive investments capable of stimulating economic activity.
He explained that the 2027–2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper provided the foundation for the estimates, adding that the budget would sustain ongoing programmes while creating opportunities for investment, employment and improved public services.
“The imperative of this exercise underscores our collective resolve to chart a sustainable course for the growth and development of our dear State,” he said.
Otu Defends Debt Management Strategy
Addressing concerns about the state’s debt profile, Otu maintained that his administration had not obtained fresh domestic or external loans since assuming office in 2023.
Citing figures from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Debt Management Office, he said Cross River was among the states that had not contracted new loans during the period.
He attributed the existing debt burden to obligations inherited from previous administrations, explaining that debt servicing had constrained the resources available for development projects.
He also noted that the naira value of the state’s external debt had been affected by currency devaluation and foreign-exchange liberalisation.
“I cannot, and will never mortgage the future of our children with unsustainable loans,” Otu declared.
He pledged to strengthen internally generated revenue, maximise federal allocations and attract development assistance and private-sector investment to finance the state’s priorities.
Roads, Agriculture Take Centre Stage
Reviewing the performance of the 2026 budget, the governor acknowledged the impact of exchange-rate volatility, rising operational costs, supply-chain disruptions and inherited debt obligations.
He disclosed that his administration had worked with the legislature to enact a supplementary budget, raising the spending framework to ₦963.07 billion to accommodate urgent interventions and counterpart-funding requirements.
Among the achievements he highlighted was the delivery of more than 608 kilometres of interconnected road projects across the three senatorial districts.
The projects include the Nsan–Oban Road in Akamkpa, the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road in Odukpani and the Yahe–Ebo–Wanakade Road in Yala.
He also reported progress in rural electrification through solar streetlights, mini-grids and network rehabilitation, describing the interventions as important for improving mobility, reopening economic corridors and restoring commercial activities in underserved communities.
Agriculture also featured prominently in the governor’s account of the administration’s economic development agenda.
Otu said more than 20,000 bags of fertiliser had been distributed to 8,000 farmers, while over one million improved oil-palm, cowpea and cocoa seedlings had been provided to farmers across the state.
He also highlighted the establishment of a 50,000-hectare rice project and support for more than 5,300 livestock farmers, alongside loans, grants and agricultural machinery for smallholder and large-scale producers.
According to him, an ₦18 billion offtake arrangement had supported the advancement of the state’s agricultural initiatives, while the cash-crop programme was strengthening farmers’ productive capacity.
“There is no food security without agriculture,” he said.
Otu added that the government intended to position Cross River as Nigeria’s leading cocoa- and oil-palm-producing state through expanded cultivation, mechanisation, agro-allied industries and private-sector partnerships.
Healthcare, Education and Workers’ Welfare
On healthcare, education and public-sector welfare, the governor outlined interventions aimed at improving access to essential services and strengthening public institutions.
He cited the renovation and rehabilitation of hospitals, the establishment of medical oxygen plants in Calabar and Ogoja in partnership with UNICEF, and the upgrading of state-owned schools of nursing and midwifery to meet accreditation standards.
He also reported routine immunisation coverage of 95 per cent, the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure for medical workers and an increase in the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years.
In education, Otu said the state had deployed more than ₦17 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission intervention funds to support educational development.
He also highlighted classroom construction and rehabilitation, payment of West African Examinations Council fees for 43,694 Cross River indigenes, and approval of promotions for more than 14,000 teaching and non-teaching staff.
The government, he said, was targeting a literacy rate of 98 per cent from an estimated 80.7 per cent, while strengthening technical and vocational education to equip young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills.
Aviation, Transport and Maritime Development
The 2027 budget also places emphasis on aviation, transportation, maritime development and tourism as part of the state’s economic diversification strategy.
Otu disclosed the integration of a new Bombardier CRJ regional jet into the state’s aviation assets, bringing the fleet to five aircraft. He also reported accelerated construction work at the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport.
In the transportation sector, he highlighted the acquisition of 730 electric vehicles, comprising inter-city and metropolitan buses, tricycles and motorcycles, to reduce commuting costs and promote cleaner transportation.
On maritime development, the governor said the Bakassi Deep Seaport had secured Federal Government approval and a Certificate of Compliance and was awaiting the commencement of construction.
He put the anticipated private-sector investment in the project at approximately $3.5 billion.
Otu also cited the Federal Government’s formal re-accreditation of Cross River as a littoral state, describing it as a strategic development for the state’s maritime ambitions.
“Our overall target in this sector is to transform our aviation business model into a highly profitable and self-sustaining revenue asset for the State,” he said.
Infrastructure Gets Largest Sectoral Allocation
Infrastructure received the largest explicitly listed sectoral allocation in the proposed budget, with ₦246.1 billion earmarked for the sector.
Education was allocated ₦99.6 billion, followed by health with ₦85.4 billion, agriculture with ₦28.2 billion and aviation with ₦21.8 billion.
Other allocations include ₦20.2 billion for the House of Assembly, ₦19.1 billion for the judiciary, ₦16.6 billion for power and ₦11.3 billion for tourism.
The governor said the budget would remain aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring continuity in ongoing projects and directing resources towards the state’s strategic priorities.
He pledged continued investment in forest conservation, the green economy, judicial infrastructure, security and youth empowerment.
On education, Otu reaffirmed the policy of free and compulsory education from primary to junior secondary school, alongside the payment of WAEC fees for public-school students.
He also promised adequate funding for ongoing judicial projects and improvements in the working conditions of judicial officers, while urging the judiciary to pursue reforms that would strengthen public confidence in justice delivery.
Governor Seeks Assembly’s Approval
Concluding his presentation, Otu pledged to sustain a government that responds to citizens’ needs, manages public resources prudently and remains accountable to the electorate.
He emphasised the importance of harmonious relations among the executive, legislature and judiciary, describing institutional cooperation as essential to peace, stability and shared prosperity.
The governor formally sought the Assembly’s consideration and timely passage of the proposed ₦987.8 billion Appropriation Bill, expressing confidence that its implementation would support economic growth and improve the welfare of Cross River residents.
“My administration shall continue to be responsive to the yearnings of the citizenry, prudent in the management of the State’s resources and accountable to the people,” he said.
He subsequently presented the estimates under the banner of the “Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” urging lawmakers and other stakeholders to work collectively towards building a more prosperous, inclusive and economically resilient Cross River State.
