CALABAR — Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has presented a proposed ₦987.8 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, with 71.72 per cent of the total expenditure earmarked for capital projects.
The budget, christened the “Budget of Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” is valued at ₦987,808,089,235.92 and is designed to consolidate the administration’s development agenda, strengthen infrastructure and improve the livelihoods of residents.
Presenting the Appropriation Bill on Wednesday, Otu described the proposal as “a solemn and sacred pact laden with the trust, expectation and aspiration of the people for their improved livelihoods.”
The proposed expenditure represents an increase of approximately 2.57 per cent over the state’s 2026 budget, reflecting the administration’s intention to sustain ongoing projects while expanding investment in critical sectors of the economy.
Of the total sum, ₦708.4 billion, representing 71.72 per cent, is allocated to capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure stands at ₦279.38 billion, or 28.28 per cent.
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Otu Rules Out Unsustainable Borrowing
Addressing concerns about the state’s debt profile, the governor said his administration had not obtained any fresh domestic or external loans since assuming office in 2023.
He attributed the state’s existing debt burden to inherited obligations and the effects of currency devaluation, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Debt Management Office in support of his position.
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Otu maintained that his government would prioritize responsible financial management rather than accumulate debts that could place an excessive burden on future generations.
“I cannot, and will never mortgage the future of our children with unsustainable loans,” he declared.
The governor pledged to strengthen the state’s internally generated revenue and attract private-sector investment as part of efforts to finance development projects and reduce dependence on borrowing.
He also disclosed that a supplementary budget had increased the 2026 spending framework to ₦963.07 billion.
Infrastructure Takes the Largest Share
Infrastructure received the largest sectoral allocation in the proposed 2027 budget, with ₦246.1 billion earmarked for roads and other critical infrastructure projects.
Otu said his administration had delivered more than 608 kilometres of roads across the state, highlighting the Nsan–Oban, Adiabo–Ikoneto and Yahe–Ebo–Wanakade roads among the projects completed or delivered.
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The governor said the government would continue to prioritise infrastructure development to improve connectivity, facilitate commerce and support economic growth across urban and rural communities.
Other major allocations include ₦99.6 billion for education, ₦85.4 billion for health, ₦28.2 billion for agriculture and ₦21.8 billion for aviation.
The House of Assembly is allocated ₦20.2 billion, while the judiciary is to receive ₦19.1 billion. The power sector has an allocation of ₦16.6 billion, while tourism is earmarked to receive ₦11.3 billion.
Agriculture, Food Security Get Attention
The governor identified agriculture as a key driver of economic diversification, food security and job creation, pledging to strengthen the state’s agricultural value chain.
According to him, the government distributed more than 20,000 bags of fertilizer to 8,000 farmers and supplied over one million seedlings of oil palm, cowpea and cocoa.
He also disclosed that a 50,000-hectare rice project was underway as part of efforts to increase agricultural production and strengthen food supply.
“There is no food security without agriculture,” Otu said.
He added that the state was working towards becoming Nigeria’s leading producer of cocoa and oil palm, a goal expected to support rural livelihoods, expand agro-industrial activities and improve the state’s economic prospects.
The proposed ₦28.2 billion allocation to agriculture is expected to support the sector’s contribution to the state’s broader development objectives.
Government Targets Improved Education and Healthcare
In the education sector, Otu said his administration had deployed more than ₦17 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds to support educational development.
He also disclosed that the state paid West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for 43,694 indigenes, while more than 14,000 workers had been promoted.
The governor said the state was targeting a literacy rate of 98 per cent, up from the reported 80.7 per cent, as part of efforts to expand access to quality education and improve learning outcomes.
In healthcare, Otu reported that routine immunization coverage had reached 95 per cent. He also highlighted the establishment of oxygen plants in Calabar and Ogoja to strengthen access to essential medical services.
The proposed ₦85.4 billion allocation to health is expected to support the administration’s healthcare priorities, while the ₦99.6 billion education allocation underscores the sector’s place among the government’s major spending commitments.
Aviation Investment and Bakassi Deep Seaport
The governor also highlighted developments in aviation and transportation, disclosing the acquisition of a new Bombardier CRJ aircraft, which brings the state’s fleet to five.
He further reported that 730 electric vehicles had been introduced as part of the administration’s transportation initiatives.
Otu said the government intended to transform its aviation operations into a commercially sustainable venture capable of generating revenue for the state.
“Our overall target in this sector is to transform our aviation business model into a highly profitable and self-sustaining revenue asset for the State,” he said.
Meanwhile, the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project has received federal approval and is awaiting construction, according to the governor.
The project is expected to attract approximately $3.5 billion in private investment, potentially positioning Cross River State as a significant maritime and commercial hub if the investment is realized and construction proceeds.
The deep seaport is also expected to create opportunities for trade, logistics, employment and related businesses.
Governor Seeks Prompt Passage of Budget
Otu urged members of the State House of Assembly to give the Appropriation Bill prompt consideration and passage to enable his administration to implement its proposed programmes and projects for 2027.
He stressed the importance of cooperation among the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government, describing institutional harmony as essential to effective governance and development.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to prudent resource management, accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the people.
“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,” he assured.
The proposed 2027 budget will now be subject to legislative scrutiny and approval by the State House of Assembly before it can become the state’s authorized spending framework for the year.
