Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has presented a proposed budget of N498 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly in Calabar. Titled the “Sustainable Growth Budget,” the financial plan was unveiled on Tuesday, outlining a vision aimed at aligning the state’s development efforts with critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Of the total budget, N328 billion, representing 66%, is allocated for capital expenditure, focusing on projects to drive infrastructural development, while the remaining N170 billion, or 34%, is designated for recurrent spending. According to Otu, the budget prioritises initiatives that align with SDG goals such as zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, industry and innovation, and peace and justice.
Otu explained that the 2025 budget emphasises the continuation of ongoing projects that require completion in the upcoming year. “The budget is designed around the SDG benchmarks to ensure continuity of key projects and programs for sustainable growth in Cross River,” he said, emphasising that the proposal reflects extensive consultations and the aspirations of the state’s residents.
The Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, expressed optimism about the budget’s potential to spur meaningful development across the state. He praised the governor’s administration for its consistent payment of salaries and gratuities to civil servants, calling it a testament to Otu’s commitment to effective governance and development.
