To promote transparency and inclusive governance, the Cross River State Government has presented its 2025 Budget to the public, inviting scrutiny and feedback from stakeholders across various sectors.

The presentation, held on Thursday at the Budget Office in Calabar, brought together civil society organizations, media representatives, private sector players, and development partners for an open dialogue on the state’s fiscal direction.

The event was convened by Otu Otu-Ita, Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, who emphasized the administration’s commitment to participatory governance.

“This platform allows citizens and stakeholders not only to understand the budget but also to engage actively in shaping its implementation. My office is open to your questions—we count on your input to succeed,” he said.

A comprehensive breakdown of the budget was presented by Faith Ochelebe and Benny Ubi from the Budget Office, who guided participants through key allocations, sectoral priorities, and planned projects. Their presentation aimed to demystify the budget and make it accessible to all attendees, regardless of their technical background.

The interactive session allowed stakeholders to ask questions, offer suggestions, and assess how the budget aligns with the development needs of the state. Many participants lauded the initiative, describing it as a commendable step towards openness and accountability in governance.

The forum concluded with a collective call for sustained collaboration between the government and the public to ensure effective implementation of the 2025 Budget, reinforcing Cross River State’s pledge to uphold fiscal transparency and responsible governance.