By Edem Ekpo
Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has signed into law the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, injecting an extra ₦104 billion into the state budget and increasing the total fiscal outlay from ₦538 billion to ₦642 billion.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in the State Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Calabar, Otu described the supplementary budget as a “strategic and deliberate intervention” to address shifting macroeconomic realities and unlock fresh investment opportunities in critical sectors.
According to him, the additional funds will be used to fast-track completion of key infrastructure projects, strengthen agricultural value chains, improve healthcare and education, boost security, and create jobs through targeted investments.
“This supplementary appropriation will reposition our state for accelerated growth. Every kobo will be spent prudently for the benefit of all Cross Riverians,” the governor assured, while commending the State House of Assembly for its swift passage of the bill.
Alongside the appropriation bill, Otu also signed into law amendments to the Cross River State Counterpart Funds Law 2025, which update donor fund management structures to attract and effectively utilise development assistance.
He further enacted the Cross River State Roads Funds Law 2025, creating a dedicated funding mechanism for rural and semi-urban road projects, and the Cross River State Electricity Law 2025, establishing a legal framework for state-level power generation and distribution following recent constitutional amendments.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the supplementary budget aligns with constitutional provisions and focuses on priority sectors such as administration, economic growth, healthcare, justice, regional integration, and social services
. He praised the governor’s fiscal discipline and pledged the Assembly’s continued support for the administration’s development vision.