By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Government has been recognised as the best in Public Finance Management in Nigeria, according to the State Accountant General, Dr Glory Effiong.
Dr Effiong made the disclosure on Monday, during an oversight session with the Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation as part of its Mid-Year Budget Performance Review ahead of the formulation of the 2026 Economic Strategy.
She stated that the impressive rating was due to various reforms introduced by the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, aimed at aligning the State’s financial system with international standards.
“The Governor Otu-led administration is committed to repositioning the State’s financial management in line with global best practices,” Dr Effiong said, adding “We have exceeded our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) targets for the first half of 2025 and implemented innovations such as the migration to international accounting standards and the establishment of an Asset Register.”
She emphasised that transparency has been central to the improved performance, noting that the financial reforms have already begun yielding results.
Responding to questions from lawmakers, Dr Effiong also revealed the State Government’s plan to offset outstanding gratuities. She, however, clarified that the delay in payment of salaries to forestry guards was due to their employment not following proper procedures or equitable distribution.
During the review session at the Ministry of Finance, the Committee engaged with the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Michael Odere, who echoed the Governor’s vision for a transparent and accountable public finance system. Dr Odere noted that these principles have translated into significant achievements across various sectors in the State.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Okon Nyong Owuna, commended Governor Otu for appointing capable professionals like Dr Odere, describing him as a “square peg in a square hole.”
The Committee also visited the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), where it was received by the Chairman, Prince Edwin Oliver Okon. He congratulated Hon Owuna on his new role and informed the lawmakers that the IRS had surpassed its revenue projections for the review period, attributing the performance to Governor Otu’s emphasis on accountability and due process.
Lawmakers present at the series of oversight engagements included Hon Charles Omang Omang (Bekwarra), Hon Samuel Neji Abang (Ikom I), Hon Bassey Bassey Effiong (Akpabuyo), Hon Mercy Mbang Akpama (Yakurr II), Hon Thomas Aruku (Ogoja), Hon Kingsley Ntui (Etung), and Hon Eyo Bassey Edet (Bakassi). The Committee’s Secretary, Barr Catherine Ubi, who is also the Clerk of the House, was also in attendance.
The Mid-Year Budget Performance Review is expected to inform key policy decisions and funding strategies for the 2026 fiscal year.
