The Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council, Apostle James Anam, has formally presented a substantial budget proposal of ₦13 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the council's legislative arm for approval. The presentation ceremony took place on 24 December 2025.
Budget of Positive Transformation: Key Priorities
Dubbed the 'Budget of Positive Transformation,' the financial plan outlines Apostle Anam's administration's core commitments. The chairman emphasized that the proposal prioritizes stimulating economic growth, enhancing service delivery, reducing poverty, and significantly improving healthcare services for residents.
He detailed that the budget is designed to strengthen agricultural initiatives, accelerate infrastructural development, boost security measures, and expand various social services. Apostle Anam stated that this vision aligns with the overarching policy direction of the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
"The 2026 Budget represents our collective commitment to build a more prosperous, secure, and inclusive Calabar Municipality," the Council Chairman declared. He further revealed that his administration has established modalities to improve the Council's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). This move aims to ensure the effective and prudent management of available resources to achieve the outlined goals.
Legislative Reception and Sectoral Allocation
Apostle Anam appealed for continued cooperation and support from the Legislative Council to enable the successful implementation of the budget and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.
The Leader of the Calabar Municipal Legislative Council, Honourable Emmanuel Inok, responded positively. He expressed gratitude to the Council Chairman for the recent renovation of the Legislative chambers, which has provided a conducive working environment. Hon. Inok urged that the 2026 budget should not be viewed as a mere document, but as a binding agreement focused on tangible development for the municipality.
A detailed breakdown of the proposed expenditure was provided:
- Economic Sector: Allocated 40.51% of the total budget.
- Social Services Sector: Received 35.22%.
- Environmental and Regional Development: Granted 14.04%.
- General Administration: Set aside 10.22%.
A Ceremony of Stakeholders
The budget presentation was a significant event attended by key figures and community leaders. The Ndidem of the Quas was represented by the Clan Head of Ediba Qua Clan, Ntoe Iso Iso Nyeh. Other notable attendees included:
- The Vice Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council, Pastor Hon. Okon Nyong.
- The Council Secretary, Comrade Iso Bassey Edim.
- The Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs Ekanem Henshaw.
- The Director, General Services and Administration, Princess Oma Bassey Edim.
- The Director, Finance and Supplies, Mr. Eyo Effiom Ephraim.
The gathering also included political appointees, council staff, political stalwarts, and various stakeholders. The climax of the event was the formal laying of the 2026 Budget Estimates on the table of the Legislative chambers, marking the start of the legislative scrutiny process.
