Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, unveiled a proposed budget of N498 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, named the “Sustainable Growth Budget,” during a presentation to the State House of Assembly in Calabar on Tuesday.

In his breakdown, Governor Otu allocated N328 billion, or 66%, for capital expenditure, while N170 billion, representing 34%, is designated for recurrent spending.

He emphasized that the budget is designed to align with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Industry and Innovation, and Peace and Justice.

“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 stated.

He described the budget as a result of extensive consultations and reflective of the aspirations of Cross River residents.

Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, expressed optimism that the budget would foster significant development across the state.

He praised Otu’s administration for its achievements, particularly in ensuring timely salary and gratuity payments to civil servants.