#246.1bn Earmarked for Infrastructure and Roads as Governor Rules Out New Loans; Ayambem Assures Thorough Legislative Scrutiny
Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has presented a proposed budget of ₦987.8 billion for the 2027 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with capital expenditure accounting for ₦708.43 billion, representing 71.72 per cent of the total estimates.
Tagged “The Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” the proposal is aimed at consolidating the achievements of the Otu administration while addressing critical developmental needs across key sectors of the state’s economy.
Presenting the estimates at the Assembly Chamber, House of Assembly Complex, Calabar, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Governor Otu described the budget as “a solemn and sacred pact laden with the trust, expectation and aspiration of the people for their improved livelihoods.”
The proposed budget represents an increase of approximately 2.57 per cent over the 2026 budget and 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.
The Governor said the substantial capital allocation reflected his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, human capital investment and productive ventures capable of stimulating economic activities and improving the living conditions of residents.
OTU RULES OUT NEW LOANS
On the state’s debt profile, Governor Otu 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.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent financial management, fiscal discipline and accountability in the deployment of public resources.
INFRASTRUCTURE GETS ₦246.1BN
Under the proposed sectoral allocations, infrastructure and road development received the largest allocation of ₦246.1 billion, followed by education with ₦99.6 billion and health with ₦85.4 billion.
Agriculture is projected to receive ₦28.2 billion, while aviation has an allocation of ₦21.8 billion. The House of Assembly is earmarked to receive ₦20.2 billion, the Judiciary ₦19.1 billion, power ₦16.6 billion and tourism ₦11.3 billion.
The Governor explained that the allocations were designed to strengthen public infrastructure, improve access to quality education and healthcare, support agricultural productivity and expand opportunities across the state.
He also assured that the budget would align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while providing for the continuation of ongoing projects.
Other priority areas, according to him, include forest conservation, the green economy, judicial infrastructure, security and youth empowerment.
REVENUE GENERATION, PRIVATE INVESTMENT
Governor Otu further outlined plans to improve the state’s internally generated revenue, attract private-sector investment and strengthen fiscal discipline to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
He pledged that his administration would remain responsive to the needs of the people and accountable in the management of public funds.
“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.
He commended members of the 10th Assembly for their cooperation and urged the lawmakers to give the proposed estimates the necessary legislative consideration to facilitate the timely implementation of government programmes and projects.
AYAMBEM ASSURES THOROUGH SCRUTINY
In his response, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the Governor for presenting the 2027 budget, describing the exercise as a demonstration of respect for democratic institutions.
Ayambem assured that the Assembly would subject the estimates to thorough legislative scrutiny to ensure that the proposed expenditure reflects the needs and aspirations of Cross Riverians and promotes transparency and accountability in public spending.
“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 stated.
He said the House would engage Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during the budget review process to ensure equitable development across the state and promote implementation within available resources.
The Speaker also commended the Otu administration’s efforts to tackle cultism, kidnapping and other social vices, noting that the Assembly remained committed to providing legislative support to strengthen governance, improve the business environment and safeguard the welfare and security of residents.
Ayambem added that the House had passed critical bills and motions aimed at improving governance and had continued to exercise its oversight responsibilities to ensure that projects and programmes captured in the 2026 budget were executed according to specification.
He, however, appealed to the Governor to support the comprehensive renovation of the Assembly Complex and lawmakers’ quarters, as well as the provision of buses for the Assembly’s official use.
GOV. OTU CELEBRATES 67TH BIRTHDAY
The event also featured the presentation and cutting of a birthday cake in honour of Governor Otu, who recently turned 67, alongside goodwill messages from the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong, representing Boki II, and Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, representing Abi.
The Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, representing Odukpani, delivered the vote of thanks.
Those in attendance included the 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 the Chairman and members of the Assembly Service Commission, among other dignitaries.
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