Cross River Government Begins 2025 Budget Preparation, Holds Forum in Districts
The Cross River State Government has embarked on a consultative process for the 2025 budget by organizing forums across the North and Central districts. This initiative, led by the Special Adviser on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Otu Otu-Ita, aims to incorporate local stakeholder input into the budgetary planning process.
Otu-Ita emphasized that the approach seeks to ensure that the budget reflects the true needs of the people rather than decisions made solely by those in Calabar. The forums, held in Ogoja and Ikom, included a diverse group of participants, such as chiefs, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and community representatives.
The Special Adviser highlighted the government’s commitment to a “People First” philosophy, stressing that effective governance relies on active public participation. He outlined key policy focuses for the 2025 budget, including advancing agricultural development, reducing debt, enhancing social protection, and improving public education.
Otu-Ita also reiterated the administration’s successful fiscal performance in 2024, with over 50% of the budget achieved in current and capital expenditures. He assured that the government will prioritize citizens’ needs within the available resources, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive and transparent budgetary processes.
