As part of the ongoing Mid-Year Budget Review process, the Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation has interfaced with the Ministry of Information.
The session, which took place at the Assembly Complex in Calabar, had in attendance members of the Finance and Appropriation Committee led by its Chairman, Hon. Cyril James Omini (Yakurr 1), and the Ministry of Information team led by the Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang.
In his remarks, Hon. Omini said the engagement was to review the Ministry’s 2026 budget performance from January till date and ensure alignment with the State’s “Budget of Inclusive Growth” philosophy ahead of the 2027 budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Speaking to Journalists after the session, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, commended the Committee for what he described as a “seamless and objective budget review ”. He noted that the Assembly had already considered the Ministry’s performance so far and had a clear picture of its operations.
“We are pleased with the impression from the Committee. I thanked them for putting all MDAs on check regarding budget performance and compliance,” Ekpang said.
On the Committee’s charge for the Ministry to improve its revenue, the Commissioner gave assurances of improved performance, citing pending approvals that would strengthen the Ministry’s output.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry is looking forward to the full operations of the recently reactivated Government Printing Press describing it as.a strategic facility that will improve information management in the State.
Dr Ekpang revealed that he had requested the Assembly to enact legislation mandating all MDAs to print their documents through the Goverment Printing Press to ensure its sustainability and efficiency.
“That will boost IGR and ensure the Press is fully utilized,” he stated.
The Commissioner further appealed for budgetary approvals to expand media relations and publicity. “We need approvals to do more media relations and marketing. I need to bring out very intelligent, sensitive talking points so we can get to work. There are a lot of things we need to do to project Cross River and get the right narratives out there,” he said.
According to Ekpang, the Ministry is committed to improving its performance and delivering on its mandate of effectively projecting Government’s policies, programmes and achievements.
The Commissioner who was accompanied by the General Manager of CRBC, Mr Samuel Nsor, the Permanent Secretary, Mr.Anthony Okon as well as some management staff of the Ministry, also disclosed that, the lawmakers expressed satisfaction with the Ministry’s performance so far.
“We will continue to do our best”, Ekpang assured.
