By Iloke Egbe
The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has successfully conducted the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Performance and State Development Plan Implementation Review to assess progress and ensure budget implementation remains aligned with the State Development Plan and the government's development mantra.
The review, coordinated by the Cross River State Planning Commission, brought together key stakeholders from the State Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Justice, Office of the Accountant-General, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Women Affairs, Bureau of Public-Private Partnership, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Economic Development and Planning, MEDA, Ministry of Aquaculture, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Mineral Resources.
Declaring the event open at Dannic Hotel, Ekorinim, Calabar, the Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Cross River State Planning Commission, Pastor Dr. Bong Duke, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio, expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout of stakeholders.
He noted that the participation of critical stakeholders, many of whom had been involved since the inception of the planning process, would ensure that the outcome reflects a collective position capable of supporting the Government in implementing people-centred policies and programmes.
Mr. Eyibio further explained that most of the programmes under the State Development Plan have 2026 as their implementation deadline. He stressed that the mid-year review was essential to evaluate progress, identify implementation challenges, assess achievements, draw lessons learnt, and develop strategies for improved performance in the remaining implementation period.
Highlights of the review included presentations on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Performance across key sectors such as Health, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Social Protection. In an interview, Participants also reviewed the implementation status of the State Development Plan and commended State Planning Commission for their coordination strides and UNICEF for their valuable support.
Discussions on Result Area One focused on strengthening governance through accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery. Result Area Two examined strategies for improving the economy by strengthening agriculture, tourism, solid minerals, manufacturing, and service industries, while Result Area Three addressed environmental sustainability and the promotion of a clean and green environment for present and future generations.
The technical sessions were facilitated by the State Director of Planning, Mrs. Charity Ayara, while Dr. Obono Ofem and Dr. Maureen Zubie-Okolo, both Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists, anchored the plenary sessions.
The event was attended by across section of Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics, as well as officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the State.
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