…says, “Budget beyond legal appropriation”
By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has assented the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.
Assenting the budget at the Government House Calabar before the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Elvert Ayambem and members of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Otu remarked that the budget remains a statement of purpose and solemn commitment to social stability, inclusion and shared prosperity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to synergize with the legislature, assuring that, “together, we shall advance financial harmony, accountability and effective service delivery while
delivering on the promise of greatness for Cross River.”
The governor explained that the budget was carefully designed to respond to the realities facing the state while laying a solid foundation for long-term growth.
His words: “This budget is more than a legal appropriation, it is our blueprint for economic transformation, social protection, and the delivery of tangible dividends of democracy to our people.”
He applauded the House of Assembly for its diligence, transparency and patriotism throughout the budget process, maintaining that, the legislature’s engagement with the executive, civil society organisations, and state economic managers reflected global best practices.
“The successful implementation of this budget will continue to inspire confidence in governance and reinforce accountability in the service of our people,” Otu said.
According to him, the ₦961B 2026 budget places strong emphasis on capital development, with significant investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy, and social protection.
“By prioritising roads, bridges, urban renewal, and rural connectivity, we are not just building infrastructure, we are unlocking new economic opportunities across our cities and communities,” he reasoned.
Admitting that human capital development remains at the heart of his administration’s agenda, the governor said, “our education sector remains central to our future, even as the budget provides for improved learning infrastructure, teacher development, and better educational outcomes to prepare young people for a modern economy.”
Underscoring the importance of healthcare and social welfare, the governor remarked that the budget includes projects aimed at expanding medical facilities, improving service delivery, and protecting the wellbeing of citizens.
“No one will be left behind as we strengthen social safety nets, empower citizens, and protect the most vulnerable among us,” he assured.
Earlier, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayamben, said the legislature approached the budget with a deep sense of responsibility to the people as the House has a duty to speak for every segment of the society.
Ayambem who affirmed that the House subjected the budget to rigorous scrutiny and an open review process, noted that, “in the interest of transparency and redress, we reviewed the budget framework to ensure adequate allocation for institutional strengthening, security response and citizen protection.”
He argued that the budget’s strong capital orientation, would translate into wealth creation and infrastructure expansion.
“This strong capital organisation will drive prosperity across the state, because from roads and power infrastructure to education and healthcare, the House ensured that every allocation reflects the needs and aspirations of our people,” the Speaker stated.
