The proposed “Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope” allocates 71.72% to capital expenditure, with infrastructure, education and healthcare among the priority sectors.
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Christened the “Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” the proposed estimates are aimed at consolidating the achievements of the Otu administration while addressing critical developmental needs across key sectors of the state’s economy.
Presenting the budget before lawmakers at the Assembly Complex on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Governor Otu described the estimates as “a solemn and sacred pact laden with the trust, expectation and aspiration of the people for their improved livelihoods.”
The proposed budget, valued at ₦987,808,089,235.92, represents an increase of approximately 2.57 per cent over the 2026 budget, according to the information provided.
Cross River 2027 Budget: Recurrent and Capital Expenditure
Governor Otu disclosed that the proposed expenditure comprises ₦279.38 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing 28.28 per cent of the total budget, and ₦708.43 billion for capital expenditure, accounting for 71.72 per cent.
He explained that the substantial allocation to capital expenditure reflects his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, human capital development and productive investments capable of stimulating economic activities across the state.
Infrastructure Gets ₦246.1 Billion
On sectoral allocations, the governor said ₦246.1 billion had been earmarked for infrastructure and road development, making it the largest allocation among the sectors highlighted.
Education is projected to receive ₦99.6 billion to strengthen educational infrastructure and improve the quality of learning across the state, while ₦85.4 billion is proposed for the health sector to improve healthcare delivery.
Other proposed allocations include:
- Agriculture: ₦28.2 billion
- Aviation: ₦21.8 billion
- House of Assembly: ₦20.2 billion
- Judiciary: ₦19.1 billion
- Power: ₦16.6 billion
- Tourism: ₦11.3 billion
The governor said the budget would support the continuation of ongoing projects and sustain investments in forest conservation, the green economy, judicial infrastructure, security and youth empowerment.
He also assured that the state’s development priorities would remain aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Otu Rules Out Unsustainable Borrowing
Addressing the state’s debt profile, Governor Otu said his administration had refrained from obtaining domestic and external loans since assuming office.
He noted that debt-servicing obligations inherited from previous administrations had constrained the pace of development projects.
“I cannot, and will never mortgage the future of our children with unsustainable loans,” the governor declared.
Otu also highlighted plans to improve internally generated revenue, attract private-sector investment and strengthen fiscal discipline to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed budget.
“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 efforts and urged lawmakers to give the proposed estimates the necessary legislative consideration and speedy passage to facilitate the timely execution of government programmes and projects.
Ayambem Assures Otu of Thorough Budget Scrutiny
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended Governor Otu for presenting the proposed budget, describing the action as a demonstration of respect for democratic institutions.
Ayambem assured the governor that the Assembly would subject the estimates to thorough legislative scrutiny to ensure that they reflect the needs and aspirations of Cross Riverians while promoting transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
“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 said.
He added that the House would engage with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that the budget promotes equitable development across the state and is implemented within available resources.
The Speaker also commended the governor’s stance against cultism, kidnapping and other social vices, noting that efforts to address insecurity were important to maintaining peace and tranquillity in Cross River State.
He reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to providing legislative support to the executive, adding that lawmakers had passed bills and motions aimed at strengthening governance, improving the ease of doing business, and safeguarding the welfare and security of residents.
Ayambem further highlighted the Assembly’s oversight functions, saying lawmakers had worked to ensure that projects and programmes captured in the 2026 budget were executed according to specifications.
He appealed to the governor for assistance with the comprehensive renovation of the Assembly Complex and lawmakers’ quarters, as well as the provision of buses for the Assembly’s use.
Otu’s 67th Birthday Celebrated at Budget Presentation
The event also featured the presentation and cutting of a birthday cake in honour of Governor Otu, who recently turned 67.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong, representing Boki II State Constituency, and Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, representing Abi State Constituency. The Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, representing Odukpani State Constituency, delivered the vote of thanks.
Dignitaries at the event included 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 others.
The proposed 2027 budget will undergo the necessary legislative processes in accordance with constitutional provisions before it can be passed into law.
Source: Matthew Okache, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, October 21, 2026.
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