Otu Proposes ₦987.8bn Budget, Allocates ₦246bn to Roads, Infrastructure

By Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has presented a proposed budget of ₦987.8 billion for the 2027 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with infrastructure and road development receiving the largest sectoral allocation of ₦246.1 billion.

The proposed budget, christened “Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” is designed to sustain the achievements of the Otu administration, accelerate development and address critical needs across key sectors of the state’s economy.

Presenting the estimates at the Assembly Complex in Calabar, the governor described the budget as a solemn commitment to the people, reflecting their trust, expectations and aspirations for improved living conditions.

He said the proposal, valued at ₦987,808,089,235.92, represents an increase of approximately 2.57 per cent over the 2026 budget.

According to him, the proposed expenditure comprises ₦279.38 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing 28.28 per cent, and ₦708.43 billion for capital expenditure, accounting for 71.72 per cent of the total estimates.

Otu said the substantial allocation to capital expenditure underscored his administration’s determination to prioritize infrastructure, human capital development and productive investments capable of stimulating economic growth and expanding opportunities for residents.

On the state’s debt profile, the governor disclosed that his administration had refrained from obtaining domestic and external loans since assuming office, noting that debt servicing obligations inherited from previous administrations had constrained the pace of development.

“I cannot, and will never, mortgage the future of our children with unsustainable loans,” he declared.

Giving a breakdown of sectoral allocations, Otu said infrastructure and road development would receive ₦246.1 billion, while education had been allocated ₦99.6 billion to strengthen educational facilities and improve the quality of learning across the state.

The health sector is projected to receive ₦85.4 billion to improve healthcare delivery, while agriculture has an allocation of ₦28.2 billion to support agricultural development and productivity.

The aviation sector is expected to receive ₦21.8 billion, while the House of Assembly has been allocated ₦20.2 billion and the judiciary ₦19.1 billion.

Other allocations include ₦16.6 billion for power and ₦11.3 billion for tourism, reflecting the administration’s plans to strengthen essential services and promote economic activities across the state.

The governor also assured that the 2027 budget would remain aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while prioritizing the completion of ongoing projects and sustaining investments in critical sectors.

He listed forest conservation, the green economy, judicial infrastructure, security and youth empowerment among the areas that would continue to receive attention under his administration.

To improve the state’s revenue base and ensure effective budget implementation, Otu said his government would intensify efforts to increase internally generated revenue, attract private-sector investment and strengthen fiscal discipline.

“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. I will continue to work with the legislature and judiciary for the betterment of the state,” he said.

Otu commended members of the 10th Assembly for their contributions to governance and urged them to give the proposed estimates the necessary legislative consideration and expedite their passage to facilitate the timely implementation of government programmes and projects.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the governor for presenting the budget, describing the exercise as a demonstration of respect for democratic institutions.

Ayambem assured the governor that the Assembly would subject the estimates to thorough legislative scrutiny to ensure that the proposals reflect the needs and aspirations of Cross Riverians and promote transparency and accountability in public expenditure.

“I wish to assure you, Your Excellency, and the good people of Cross River State that this Assembly will subject the estimates to thorough, rigorous and expeditious scrutiny,” the Speaker said.

He explained that the House would engage relevant ministries, departments and agencies to ensure equitable development across the state and promote the implementation of projects within available resources.

The Speaker also commended the Otu administration for its reported efforts to combat cultism, kidnapping and other social vices, saying the measures had contributed to restoring peace and tranquillity in the state.

He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to providing legislative support for policies and programmes aimed at improving governance, economic development and the welfare of residents.

According to him, the House has passed critical bills and motions to strengthen governance, improve the ease of doing business and enhance the welfare and security of Cross Riverians.

Ayambem added that the Assembly had continued to discharge its oversight responsibilities to ensure that projects and programmes captured in the 2026 budget were executed according to specifications and delivered value to the people.

While commending the governor’s performance across various sectors, the Speaker appealed for government support for the comprehensive renovation of the Assembly Complex and lawmakers’ quarters, as well as the provision of buses for the legislature’s official use.