Professor Fru Angwafo, President of the NWRA talking to the press at the end of March session
By Neba Jerome Ambe
The March 2026 Ordinary Session of the North West Regional Assembly came to a close on Friday May 25, with regional authorities highlighting significant financial growth, institutional maturity, and ambitious development plans aimed at accelerating decentralisation and improving the living conditions of the population.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Representative of the State, who doubles as the Governor of the North West Region, Adolph Lele Lafrique to the North West Regional Assembly commended members of the Assembly and the Regional Executive Council for what he described as a productive and successful session marked by constructive deliberations and key decisions for the region’s future.
He particularly congratulated members elected into the various committees of the Assembly, emphasizing the crucial role committees play in ensuring the effective functioning of the institution. “The committees are specialized, smaller and more efficient working groups that handle detailed tasks which the plenary cannot efficiently manage,” he noted.
The State representative also recalled the annual report presented at the opening of the session, describing it as a true reflection of the current realities of the North West Region. He urged all stakeholders to work collectively to address existing challenges, particularly in the areas of investment, peacebuilding and service delivery.
One of the major highlights of the session was the examination and adoption of the 2025 administrative, management and stores accounts, alongside adjustments to the 2026 budget. According to the Representative of the State, the decisions adopted demonstrate both transparency in the management of regional affairs and the growing maturity of Assembly members.
He revealed that approximately FCFA 10 billion was mobilized and utilized by the Assembly in 2025, expressing optimism that financial mobilization could exceed FCFA 30 billion annually by the end of the current mandate. “For this to become a reality, there is need for improved management of financial resources while respecting the legal instruments that guide regional development,” he stated.
The official also welcomed presentations made during the session on insurance coverage for Assembly members, staff and property, as well as discussions on psychological support and human resource management. He described these initiatives as essential for the effective functioning of modern institutions and consistent with provisions of the General Code of Regional and Local Authorities.
On infrastructure development, he encouraged the Assembly’s efforts toward advancing studies for the Bamenda Ring Road project, noting that such initiatives would help improve mobility and facilitate the provision of social amenities to local communities.
In his closing remarks, the President of the North West Regional Assembly, Professor Fru Angwafo III, praised members for demonstrating democratic maturity throughout the session, particularly during the election of members into the Assembly’s seven standing committees.
“The competition was real, but the camaraderie was greater. Nobody lost; everyone won. The North West Region won,” he declared.
Professor Fru Angwafo described the State Representative’s performance report as comprehensive and worthy of preservation among the Assembly’s most important archival documents.
He also lauded the successful adoption of the administrative, management and stores accounts, as well as the budget adjustment and 2025 performance reports, noting that the Assembly had once again demonstrated its commitment to accountability and good governance.
The Assembly President highlighted the active participation of divisional caucuses and committees during deliberations, as well as the valuable technical contributions made by members from various professional backgrounds.
Particular attention was drawn to discussions surrounding the proposed Bamenda–Bafut–Befang–Wum Road project. Contributions from engineers and other technical experts, he said, underscored the need for communities to avoid activities that could obstruct future public infrastructure development.
The session also welcomed visits from cultural ambassadors, including Miss North West and Miss Culture, whom Professor Fru Angwafo praised for their eloquence and dedication to promoting the region’s cultural heritage. “We encourage them to continue inspiring young people and promoting our rich cultural values while contributing to economic growth,” he said.
A key achievement of the session was the adjustment of the 2026 budget, which now stands at FCFA 20 billion. The Assembly President noted that the institution had progressed from an annual budget of FCFA 3 billion in its early years to FCFA 5 billion, then FCFA 10 billion, and now FCFA 20 billion.
He described the steady growth as tangible proof that decentralization is yielding positive results despite skepticism from some quarters.
As the session drew to a close, both leaders expressed confidence in the future of the North West Region, emphasizing that strengthened decentralization, prudent financial management and inclusive development initiatives would continue to drive progress across the region.
Professor Fru urged the newly elected divisional representative to remain close to the people, promote development, uphold transparency and accountability, and work tirelessly to advance the interests of the division while fostering peace and unity.
The March 2026 session therefore ended on a note of optimism, with Assembly members reaffirming their commitment to promoting development, transparency and improved service delivery for the people of the North West Region.
