CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – To promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, the Cross River State Government has presented its approved 2025 budget to civil society organisations, media representatives, and other non-state actors. The event, facilitated by the Department of Budget, reaffirms the Governor Bassey Otu administration’s commitment to responsible public finance and citizen participation.
Delivering the state’s first-quarter fiscal report on Thursday, Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Mr Otu Otu-Ita, disclosed that Cross River generated ₦55.5 billion in revenue and spent ₦33.46 billion during the period. Of that expenditure, capital projects accounted for 35%, while overhead costs and debt servicing comprised 50% and 25% respectively.
He noted that the high overhead and debt servicing figures reflect legacy obligations, but assured stakeholders that the administration is prioritising fiscal discipline and sustainability. “We have not borrowed a kobo this year. The state is managing its resources prudently, guided by Governor Bassey Otu’s principle of responsible governance,” he stated.
Mr Otu-Ita also acknowledged the opportunity cost of debt servicing, pointing out its impact on other critical sectors. “Twenty-five percent of our spending goes to debt servicing — imagine what that could achieve in education, healthcare, or infrastructure. It’s a delicate balancing act, and we are committed to getting it right.”
The engagement was welcomed by civil society participants, who praised the government’s openness but called for more institutional strengthening. Executive Secretary of BTAN, Mr Kingsley Eworo, commended the administration’s progress but urged the timely reactivation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee.
“There’s goodwill and momentum here,” Eworo said. “But we must build strong systems to sustain it. A fully functional OGP Steering Committee and inclusive action planning will ensure the public remains part of the budgeting process.”
OGP representative in the state, Ms. Ukeme Ekong, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to revitalise existing structures. “The 2025 budget is already online — that’s a great step. But we must go beyond visibility. We need deeper collaboration between government, civil society, and the media to ensure accountability is not just a principle but a practice.”
The forum ended with mutual commitments from government officials and stakeholders to strengthen transparency mechanisms, deepen civic engagement, and reinforce Cross River’s reputation as a front-runner in open governance.