Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Tuesday presented a comprehensive 2025 fiscal budget proposal, valued at N498 billion, to the State House of Assembly in Calabar.
Titled the ‘Sustainable Growth Budget’, the proposal underscores Otu’s vision for fostering long-term development across the state, aligning with a series of Sustainable Development Goals that resonate with pressing needs within the Cross River community.
Breaking down the budget, Otu explained that N328 billion—representing 66% of the total—will be directed toward capital projects.
This allocation will support critical infrastructure and growth-oriented initiatives, underpinning his administration’s focus on sustainable advancement.
The remaining N170 billion, or 34%, is set aside for recurrent expenditure, which will fund essential government operations and the maintenance of existing services across the state.
In detailing the broader goals, Otu emphasized that the budget is crafted in line with specific SDGs: Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Industry and Innovation, and Peace and Justice.
He noted, “The 2025 budget is designed around the SDG benchmarks to ensure continuity of key projects and programmes that require rollover into the new fiscal year.”
Otu highlighted that the proposal reflects extensive consultations and embodies the aspirations of the people of Cross River, with a clear commitment to strengthening public welfare and infrastructure.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, voiced strong support for the budget.
He expressed confidence that the strategic allocation would catalyze sustainable development across various sectors.
Praising Otu’s administration, Ayambem noted its consistency in ensuring prompt salary payments and honoring gratuity commitments to civil servants, seeing this as a hallmark of the governor’s dedication to the people.
