Cross River State Proposes N31.5 Million for Air Conditioners, Fans, and Water Dispensers in 2025 Budget

A review of the 2025 budget proposal for Cross River State has revealed some controversial spending plans, with N31.5 million earmarked for two air conditioners, four fans, and two water dispensers in the state House of Assembly.

Other significant expenditures in the proposed budget include N26.2 million for the provision of an intercom system, N31.5 million for a printing machine, and N15.7 million for the purchase of three conference tables and 30 swivel chairs for the Budget/PRS Data Centre. Additionally, three 60KVA inverters/solar panels for the Budget/PRS department are expected to cost N31.5 million.

Other notable items include a N196.1 million allocation for plumbing, renovation, and replacement of fittings in the House of Assembly, and N15 million to construct a Mace, the symbol of authority in the state legislature. The assembly complex’s street lighting is set to receive N2.1 million in funding.

These allocations have raised concerns about the state’s prioritization of spending, particularly given Cross River’s financial situation. As of June 2024, the state carried a domestic debt of N155.4 billion and an external debt of $210 million. The heavy reliance on loans has led to rising debt servicing costs, which many argue contribute to the state’s underdevelopment.

According to the latest Debt Management Office report, the external debt for states and the Federal Capital Territory rose by 6.14% between December 2023 and June 2024, with states like Rivers and Edo seeing significant increases in their foreign debt obligations.