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, with infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development taking center stage.
Tagged the “Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” the proposal is designed to sustain ongoing development projects, strengthen essential public services, and expand economic opportunities across the state.
Governor Otu presented the estimates at the Cross River State House of Assembly Complex in Calabar on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, describing the budget as a commitment to improving the living conditions of residents.
According to the governor, the proposed budget, valued at ₦987,808,089,235.92, represents an increase of approximately 2.57 per cent over the 2026 fiscal year’s budget.
He described the budget as a solemn commitment reflecting the expectations and aspirations of Cross River residents for improved livelihoods and sustainable development.
Capital Projects Receive 71.72% of Proposed Budget
Under the proposed expenditure framework, capital projects will receive ₦708.43 billion, representing 71.72 per cent of the total budget, while recurrent expenditure is estimated at ₦279.38 billion, accounting for 28.28 per cent.
The governor said the substantial allocation to capital expenditure demonstrates his administration’s determination to prioritize infrastructure, human capital development, and investments capable of stimulating economic growth.
The proposed spending pattern places considerable emphasis on development projects while providing funding for the routine operations of government.
Infrastructure Leads Sectoral Allocations With ₦246.1bn
Infrastructure and road development account for the largest sectoral allocation highlighted in the proposal, with ₦246.1 billion earmarked for the sector.
Education is expected to receive ₦99.6 billion to support educational infrastructure and improve learning outcomes, while ₦85.4 billion has been proposed for healthcare delivery.
Other allocations outlined by the governor include:
– Agriculture: ₦28.2 billion
– Aviation: ₦21.8 billion
– Cross River State House of Assembly: ₦20.2 billion
– Judiciary: ₦19.1 billion
– Power: ₦16.6 billion
– Tourism: ₦11.3 billion
Governor Otu said the proposed spending would also support ongoing projects and investments in forest conservation, the green economy, judicial infrastructure, security, and youth empowerment.
He added that the state’s development programs would remain aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Otu Rejects Unsustainable Borrowing, Targets Higher Revenue
Addressing concerns about the state’s financial position, the governor said his administration had refrained from taking domestic and external loans since assuming office.
He explained that debt-servicing obligations inherited from previous administrations had placed pressure on available resources and affected the pace of development.
Otu maintained that his government would avoid borrowing arrangements that could jeopardize the financial future of younger generations.
“I cannot, and will never mortgage the future of our children with unsustainable loans,” he declared.
To strengthen the state’s finances, the governor highlighted plans to improve internally generated revenue, attract private-sector investment, and maintain fiscal discipline.
He also pledged to ensure that public funds were managed responsibly and that government remained accountable to the people.
“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,” Otu said.
The governor further expressed his administration’s readiness to work with the legislature and judiciary to advance the state’s development objectives.
He urged lawmakers to give the proposed budget the necessary legislative consideration and facilitate its timely passage to enable the government to implement its programs and projects.
Assembly Promises Thorough Scrutiny
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended Governor Otu for presenting the proposed estimates, describing the action as a demonstration of respect for democratic institutions.
Ayambem assured the governor and residents that the Assembly would subject the budget to rigorous scrutiny to ensure that it addresses the needs of the people and promotes transparency in public spending.
He said lawmakers would engage Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during the budget review process to assess proposed expenditures and promote equitable development across the state.
The Speaker also stressed the importance of implementing the budget within available resources, noting that legislative oversight would remain essential to accountability and effective service delivery.
On security, Ayambem commended the governor’s position against cultism, kidnapping, and other social vices, describing efforts to address insecurity as critical to maintaining peace and stability in Cross River State.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting policies and legislation aimed at improving governance, strengthening the business environment, and protecting residents.
Ayambem also highlighted the legislature’s oversight activities, stating that lawmakers had monitored projects and programs captured in the 2026 budget to assess whether they were being executed according to specifications.
However, the Speaker appealed to the governor to assist with the comprehensive renovation of the Assembly Complex and lawmakers’ quarters, alongside the provision of buses for legislative operations.
Governor’s 67th Birthday Marks Budget Presentation
The budget presentation also featured a birthday celebration in honor of Governor Otu, who recently turned 67.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong, representing Boki II State Constituency, and Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, representing Abi State Constituency.
The Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, who represents Odukpani State Constituency, delivered the vote of thanks.
Other dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan-Eno, service chiefs, members of the State Executive Council, and representatives of the Assembly Service Commission.
Budget Awaits Legislative Approval
The proposed ₦987.8 billion budget will now proceed through the required legislative processes before it can be passed into law.
Its eventual implementation will determine how effectively the state can translate its development priorities into improved infrastructure, stronger public services, and greater economic opportunities for residents.
Until the Assembly completes its review and approves the estimates, the proposed allocations remain subject to legislative consideration.
Source: Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, October 21, 2026.
SNOW TV NEWS EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT
Cross River’s ₦987.8bn Budget: The Real Test Lies in Delivery
Governor Bassey Otu’s proposed ₦987.8 billion budget for 2027 places infrastructure, education, and healthcare among Cross River State’s major spending priorities. The decision to allocate 71.72 percent of the proposed expenditure to capital projects is significant, particularly for a state seeking to expand infrastructure and stimulate economic development.
However, a large capital budget is only a starting point. Its true value will be measured by the projects completed, the quality of public services delivered, and the tangible improvements residents experience in their daily lives.
The proposed ₦246.1 billion allocation for infrastructure and road development, alongside ₦99.6 billion for education and ₦85.4 billion for healthcare, raises important expectations. Residents will reasonably look for better roads, improved learning environments, accessible healthcare facilities, and projects that create opportunities for young people.
The governor’s pledge to avoid unsustainable borrowing is also noteworthy. Nevertheless, maintaining fiscal discipline while financing ambitious development programs will require effective revenue generation, transparent procurement, and careful monitoring of public expenditure.
The House of Assembly now has an important responsibility to examine the proposed estimates, question spending priorities where necessary, and ensure that allocations reflect the needs of communities across the state.
SNOW TV’s position is clear: The success of Cross River’s 2027 budget should not be judged by its impressive headline figure but by its implementation, transparency, and measurable impact on the lives of the people.
Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Nigerian Media Personality, Music Artist, Producer, Blogger and a Relationship Coach. He is a publisher specializing in Nigerian current affairs, politics, and lifestyle news. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV} he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
