The Cross River State House of Assembly has approved an upward review of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill from N961.62 billion to N963.07 billion.

The review represents an increase of N1.45 billion, or 0.15 per cent, following the consideration of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during plenary.

Presenting the committee’s report, its chairman, Cyril Omini (Yakurr II), said the adjustment was necessary to meet additional financial requirements of the state government.

Omini said the revised budget was aimed at addressing key areas, including infrastructure, counterpart funding, macroeconomic adjustments and social interventions.

He listed unforeseen expenditures, new policy initiatives, increased revenue prospects, improved employment opportunities and enhanced public service delivery as some of the factors necessitating the review.

The lawmaker said the adjustments were intended to promote prudent fiscal management, improve budget implementation and ensure that resources were directed to priority programmes and projects.

The House subsequently approved the revised figures and authorised implementation of the supplementary budget in accordance with the law.

Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, commended the Finance and Appropriation Committee for its work, saying the approval demonstrated the legislature’s constitutional responsibility to scrutinise public expenditure and promote accountability.

The Chief Whip, Hillary Bisong (Boki II), moved the motion for the third reading of the bill, which was seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Akamkpa II State Constituency, Linus Bassey Etim.