Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, yesterday, presented an estimate of N780.59 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the House of Assembly in Calabar, describing it as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth” aimed at consolidating the gains of his administration’s People First agenda.

Presenting the Appropriation Bill before lawmakers, Otu said the budget was the outcome of extensive consultations with civil society groups, the private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders.   He stressed that the fiscal proposal underscores his administration’s commitment to human capital development and social equity.

The governor explained that the 2026 spending plan represents a 17 per cent increase over the 2025 appropriation, with N519.6 billion (67%) earmarked for capital expenditure and N260.96 billion (33%) for recurrent spending. Sectoral allocations include N421 billion for the economic sector, N163 billion for social services, N164 billion for general administration, N28 billion for law and justice, and N3.6 billion for regional development.

Otu noted that his administration began with the 2024 “People’s First” budget of N296.98 billion, followed by the 2025 “Budget of Sustainable Growth” of N538.5 billion, which was later raised to N642 billion after a supplementary appropriation.

He said the 2026 financial outlay, tagged “Budget of Inclusive Growth,” builds on these foundations to deepen human development and expand opportunities across the state.

The governor disclosed that his administration would henceforth measure development through the Human Development Index (HDI) rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP), saying progress would be assessed by “how much better our people live, learn, and thrive.”

Otu announced plans to operationalise the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP) to support the elderly, women, youth, and vulnerable groups through a non-political, multi-sectoral framework.

Reviewing the performance of the outgoing fiscal year, he said improved revenue inflows enabled major interventions in infrastructure, rural electrification, and maternal health projects.

“Our budget is performing optimally. Cross River ranked number one nationwide in routine immunisation coverage with 95 per cent, clear evidence that our People First agenda is working,” Otu said.

Earlier, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, commended the governor for what he described as remarkable strides in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism despite limited resources.

He, however, appealed for improved funding for the legislature and completion of the solar power project at the Assembly complex to enhance its operations.

The Speaker assured the governor of the lawmakers’ continued cooperation in enacting laws and policies that promote good governance, transparency, and service delivery in the state.