Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has proposed a total expenditure of ₦987,808,089,210.92 for the 2027 fiscal year, representing an increase of 2.57 percent over the preceding budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
Key Highlights
- Cross River 2027 budget proposal put at ₦987.8 billion, up 2.57% on 2026.
- Capital expenditure: ₦708.43 billion (71.72%); recurrent: ₦279.38 billion (28.28%).
- Infrastructure gets the largest share at ₦246.1 billion, followed by health at ₦85.4 billion.
- Tourism allocated ₦11.8 billion.
- Otu pledges free and compulsory education and more investment in agriculture.
Of the proposed expenditure, ₦708.43 billion, representing 71.72 percent, is earmarked for capital projects, while ₦279.38 billion, or 28.28 percent, is allocated for recurrent expenditure.
Sectoral Allocations
Infrastructure received the largest sectoral allocation of ₦246.1 billion, followed by health with ₦85.4 billion, education with ₦39.6 billion and agriculture with ₦28.2 billion, while aviation was allocated ₦21.8 billion, government ₦20.2 billion, the judiciary ₦19.1 billion and power ₦16.6 billion.
Other allocations included ₦11.8 billion for tourism, ₦10.8 billion for special duties and intergovernmental relations, ₦6.1 billion for science, technology and innovation, and ₦4.7 billion for information and women affairs.
The governor said the 2027 budget would continue to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with emphasis on completing ongoing projects and sustaining programmes in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and other priority areas.
He pledged that his administration would continue to construct roads and bridges, reactivate dormant industries and deepen collaboration with private sector investors to accelerate economic growth and job creation.
Education, Health And Agriculture
On education, Otu reiterated his commitment to free and compulsory schooling, alongside continued support for examination fees and targeted assistance for eligible indigenous students. He also pledged further investments in healthcare facilities, medical equipment and essential supplies.
Agriculture and food security, according to him, would remain central to the government’s development agenda, with plans to expand agricultural support, encourage private investment and strengthen value chains to increase production and improve farmers’ incomes.
The governor also promised sustained attention to environmental protection, forest conservation and green economy initiatives, noting that the state’s natural resources could generate economic benefits if managed sustainably.
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Justice And Security
In the justice sector, he said the government would prioritise the completion and rehabilitation of judicial facilities, improve access to justice and strengthen the capacity of courts to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
On security, Otu described Cross River State as one of Nigeria’s more peaceful states and pledged continued support for security agencies to combat criminality and protect residents.
He also urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information that could help prevent crime.
The governor called for continued cooperation between the executive, legislature and judiciary, expressing confidence that a shared commitment to responsible governance would help build a peaceful, prosperous and economically stronger Cross River State.
He also said that the successful implementation of the proposed budget would depend on collective responsibility, effective oversight and the prudent use of public funds to deliver tangible benefits to the people.
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