Cross River State faces scrutiny over its budget priorities in 2026.
Critical sectors in Cross River State — including education, youth development, and women affairs — received zero capital funding in the first quarter of 2026, according to the state’s official budget performance report under Governor Bassey Otu.
Despite an approved capital allocation of N63.5 billion for education across 13 institutions, no funds were released for implementation within the period under review.
Education projects remain stalled despite large budget allocations.
Key projects awaiting funding include the upgrade of 280 classrooms, construction of 70 early childhood education centres, and the supply of school furniture worth hundreds of millions of naira.
The trend reflects a continuation from 2025, when only 10.7 per cent of the education capital budget was implemented.
“No funds were released for education capital projects despite a multi-billion naira allocation.”
Youth development also recorded no capital releases, despite a budget of N645 million, leaving initiatives such as youth data systems, agricultural support, and NYSC camp rehabilitation unfunded.
Similarly, the Ministry of Women Affairs — with a budget of N750 million — received no capital disbursement for programmes targeting women, vulnerable groups, and gender-based violence interventions.
Women and vulnerable groups remain unfunded in Q1 2026.
This mirrors 2025, when no funds were released for women-focused projects despite a N2.01 billion allocation.
In sharp contrast, administrative spending surged. The Government House received N1.9 billion for capital projects and N3.14 billion for overhead costs within the same period.
“While social sectors received nothing, billions were spent on administrative operations.”
Further analysis shows that the Office of the Economic Adviser exceeded its annual overhead allocation within just three months, spending 229.9 per cent above budget.
Cross River generated N66.86 billion in revenue during the quarter, with major contributions from federal allocations and internally generated revenue.
Total expenditure stood at N38.68 billion, with capital expenditure accounting for N19.48 billion — none of which went to key human development sectors.
Despite approval to borrow over N331 billion, the state did not take any loans during the period.
The absence of funding for critical sectors, despite available resources, raises serious concerns about budget priorities and long-term service delivery outcomes in the state.
(Source: Cross River State Budget Performance Report Q1 2026)
🤔 Question Board
Should administrative spending take priority over education and social welfare in a state budget?
Budget allocation is one thing — execution is everything. When capital releases consistently bypass human development sectors, it signals deeper structural priorities that may affect long-term growth and social stability.