Gabriela Ezin, Calabar
The Cross River State House of Assembly has advanced the state’s proposed N987.8 billion 2027 budget to the next stage of legislative consideration after it passed second reading during plenary in Calabar.
The lawmakers expressed support for Governor Bassey Otu’s spending priorities, particularly the allocation of N708.43 billion, representing 71.72 per cent of the total estimates, to capital projects.
The remaining N279.38 billion, representing 28.28 per cent, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure.
During debate on the Appropriation Bill, the Deputy Leader of the House, Davis Etta, representing Abi State Constituency, said the budget placed emphasis on development and investment in critical infrastructure.
Etta argued that the significant allocation to capital expenditure reflected a deliberate effort to move the state away from excessive spending on recurrent obligations towards projects that could stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities.
He said the proposed spending priorities demonstrated the administration’s commitment to infrastructure expansion, industrialisation and economic growth.
Other lawmakers who participated in the debate also welcomed the capital expenditure component, expressing optimism that it would support the completion of ongoing projects and improve service delivery across the state.
They identified road infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and human capital development as critical sectors expected to benefit from the proposed spending.
Presiding over the session, Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, praised members for their contributions to the debate and commended the governor for the proposed spending framework.
Ayambem subsequently referred the bill to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for detailed examination, budget defence and further legislative action.
The committee was given three weeks to complete its assignment and report back to the House.
In a separate development, members of the Assembly also praised Ayambem for organising a budget retreat ahead of the consideration of the 2027 fiscal proposal.
They said the exercise strengthened their capacity to scrutinise budget estimates, understand fiscal policies and perform their oversight responsibilities, adding that the benefits were reflected in the quality of contributions during plenary.
