Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly convened in Abuja for a two-day retreat aimed at enhancing their legislative competence and strengthening their capacity for effective service delivery.
The retreat brought together lawmakers and resource persons to explore strategies for improving legislative oversight and budgetary engagement within the State.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, while declaring the retreat open, noted that the exercise was designed to equip honourable members with the “requisite knowledge and technical skills to engage more effectively with the budget cycle.”
He emphasized that having a better grasp of the budget process would promote improved collaboration, transparency, and accountability in governance, ultimately ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently to benefit all citizens.
“This retreat is timely and relevant. lt will equip honourable members and staff with the requisite knowledge and technical skills to engage more effectively with the budget circle as well as ensure transparency, accountability and our shared goal of delivering tangible dividends of democracy to our people,” the Speaker said.
Mr. Ayambem reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to building a Legislature that is informed, responsive, and people-oriented.
He further stated that the Assembly’s ultimate goal is to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the people of Cross River State through effective legislation and oversight.
The Speaker encouraged members to take the training seriously, emphasizing that the success of their legislative work at various stages of the budget process determines the quality of governance and the impact of government policies.
Also, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Sylvester Agabi said the Retreat offered lawmakers an opportunity to reflect on their constitutional responsibilities as well as deepen their understanding of the budget which is the principal instrument of development.
Mr Agabi commended the leadership of the Assembly for organising the Retreat describing it as a “wonderful initiative.”
”Members will gain greatly from this Retreat. It’s a wonderful initiative. Members will gain knowledge and technical skills to carry out this important legislative function. God is really helping the 10th Assembly. I commend the leadership of the Assembly and thank God for this opportunity,” he said.
Topics discussed at the Retreat included: An Appraisal of the 2025 Budget Performance, Understanding the CRS Budget Chart of Accounts, Using the Annual Budget to Actualise the “People First” Agenda, as well as An Analysis of the 2026 Proposed Budget.
Other topics discussed are the Present Tax Reforms and Implications for Sustainable Development, Making the Legislative Budget Process more Participatory and Inclusive, as well as Budget Monitoring and Tracking for Effective Service Delivery.
