Otu Presents N780.6bn “People First” 2026 Budget, Shifts Focus to Human Development Index

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State on Tuesday presented a N780.59 billion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, pledging to consolidate the gains of his administration’s People First agenda and place citizens’ welfare at the centre of government policy.

Presenting the appropriation bill before the State House of Assembly, Otu described the budget presentation as “a sacred social contract between government and the governed,” noting that the proposal was developed through wide consultations with civil society groups, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, and citizens.

He announced a major policy shift from measuring growth by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Human Development Index (HDI), with greater emphasis on education, healthcare, and rural electrification.

The governor revealed plans to operationalize the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP) to empower the elderly, women, youth, and vulnerable groups through a non-political, multi-sectoral framework.

Out of the N780.59 billion proposal, N519.6 billion (67%) is allocated to capital expenditure, while ?260.96 billion (33%) is earmarked for recurrent spending, representing a 17 percent increase over the 2025 budget. Sectoral allocations include N421 billion for the economic sector, N163 billion for social services, N164 billion for general administration, N28 billion for law and justice, and N3.6 billion for regional development.

Otu noted that the 2025 “Budget of Sustainable Growth” was revised from N538 billion to N642 billion following improved revenue inflows, which funded critical projects such as road repairs, rural electrification, and maternal and child health initiatives.

He highlighted several achievements, including Cross River’s 95 percent routine immunization coverage, ranking first nationwide, as well as major infrastructure projects like the Adiabo–Ikoneto Road, Esuk Utan–Depot dual carriageway, and Yahe–Ebo–Wanakom–Wanikade Road.

The governor also reported progress in power and healthcare, including solar streetlights, rural mini-grids, and hospital renovations across all senatorial districts, with the Ikom General Hospital nearing completion. He added that all schools of nursing in the state have now achieved full accreditation.

On infrastructure and governance, Otu disclosed that the Obudu Passenger and Cargo Airport is nearing completion, while negotiations continue for the Bakassi Deep Seaport. He confirmed the full implementation of the national minimum wage, partial clearance of retirees’ gratuities, and digitization of land administration with resumed issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.

Concluding, Governor Otu said the 2026 budget was crafted to “strengthen our revenue base, drive human capital development, and build a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Cross River State.”