With over 50% of the 2024 budget’s recurrent and capital expenditures successfully implemented, the Cross River State Government is now turning its attention to the year 2025, by launching the consultative forums in the northern and central senatorial districts of the state.
This is to ensure that the next budget addresses the real needs of every local government area.
This effort underscores the administration’s commitment to an inclusive budgeting process that prioritizes the voices of its citizens, particularly those in rural communities.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on Budget, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Otu Otu-Ita, addressed stakeholders at the forums held in Ogoja and Ikom council halls of the state.
He emphasized that the consultative process is designed to gather direct inputs from various stakeholders, ensuring a more participatory approach to the 2025 appropriation bill.
Governor Otu also outlined the key policy focus for the 2025 budget, which includes advancing agricultural initiatives, reducing the state’s debt burden, enhancing social protection programs, and overhauling public educational institutions.
John Ntaji a resident of Ogoja Local Government Area, highlighted the urgent need for improvements in roads, electricity, potable water, healthcare, and education, while Clement Agbor a resident of Ikom Local Government Area, underscored the importance of establishing vocational training centers across all 18 local government areas in the state.
The ongoing dialogue between the government and its citizens, highlights a shared commitment to fostering progress and improving the quality of life across the state.
Editor : Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
