Governor Bassey Otu has presented the 2027 annual budget for Cross River State, totalling ₦987.8 billion. The fiscal plan places a heavy emphasis on infrastructure, with ₦708.4 billion earmarked specifically for capital projects.
During the presentation of the 2027 budget estimates in Calabar, the Governor stated that the document is more than just a collection of financial figures. He described the budget as “a solemn and sacred pact laden with the trust, expectation and aspiration of the people for their improved livelihoods.”
The proposed allocation reflects an aggressive development agenda, as capital expenditure accounts for approximately 71.6 per cent of the total budget. This high ratio of capital to recurrent spending suggests a strategic move by the state administration to prioritise physical assets and long-term economic drivers over administrative overheads.
Breakdown of the ₦987.8bn budget
With ₦708.4 billion dedicated to capital projects, the funds are intended to support large-scale interventions in sectors such as road construction, healthcare infrastructure, education, and water supply. This level of investment is designed to address the existing infrastructural deficits that often hinder economic growth in the South-South region.
The remaining ₦279.4 billion is projected to cover the state’s recurrent expenditure. This portion of the budget will fund personnel costs, including civil service salaries, as well as the day-to-day administrative running costs of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) within the state government.
The administration’s focus on capital spending comes as Cross River State seeks to bolster its internal revenue generation and create a more conducive environment for private sector investment. By investing heavily in infrastructure, the government aims to create a multiplier effect that could stimulate local businesses and job creation.
The budget now moves to the Cross River State House of Assembly for legislative scrutiny. Lawmakers will review the estimates, conduct public hearings where necessary, and debate the proposed allocations before passing the bill into law. The timely approval of the budget remains essential for the commencement of planned projects at the start of the 2027 fiscal year.
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