The Cross River State Government has commenced public consultations for the preparation of its 2027 budget, beginning with a consultative forum for stakeholders in the Northern Senatorial District as part of efforts to promote inclusive governance and citizen participation in the budgeting process.
The forum, held at the Ogoja Local Government Council, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and residents to review ongoing development projects and make inputs into the state’s 2027 fiscal plan.
Speaking at the event, on Tuesday the Permanent Secretary, Department of Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Governor’s Office, Peter Uklala, described the consultation as a vital platform for citizens to influence government policies and development priorities.
He urged participants to use the opportunity to identify the pressing needs of their communities, while highlighting projects executed by the administration of Governor Bassey Otu across the state.
Also speaking, the State Economic Adviser, Prof Peter Oti, said the consultative exercise was designed to ensure that the state’s budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.
He called on stakeholders to prioritise projects capable of improving access to critical infrastructure and basic social services, noting that such investments would enhance livelihoods and drive sustainable development across the Northern Senatorial District.
A Public Financial Management Expert, Ben Ubi, also presented an overview of the state’s budgeting process, explaining the structure of annual budgets, revenue sources and expenditure allocations. He stressed the importance of prudent planning and effective implementation in achieving the government’s development objectives.
During the interactive session, stakeholders reviewed development projects undertaken in Ogoja, Yala and other local government areas within the district, while participants commended the government for creating a platform that allows citizens to contribute directly to the budget preparation process.
They also identified priority areas requiring further government intervention, particularly in infrastructure and essential public services, with their recommendations documented for consideration in the preparation of the 2027 budget.
The state government said the consultative forum forms part of its commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability and participatory governance through an inclusive budget formulation process.