By Neba Jerome Ambe
The North-West Regional Assembly commenced its December 2025 Ordinary Budgetary Session on Monday 8, marking the final statutory sitting of its inaugural mandate. The President of the Assembly described the moment as “decisive,” coming on the heels of what he termed a “never-to-forget electoral process” that has reinvigorated public confidence in regional governance.
Addressing councillors and guests, the President lauded members for their dedication and collective spirit throughout the mandate. He emphasized that the current session would shape not only the 2026 fiscal year but also the long-term development trajectory of the Region.
A key highlight of the session was the examination and adoption of the 2026 budget. The President announced a substantial increase in projected financing, with central government transfers expected to raise the budget from an initial projection of 11.3 billion CFA francs to more than 14 billion CFA francs.
“This increase reflects stronger collaboration between the central and regional governments,” he said, adding that the additional resources would significantly enhance the Region’s capacity to meet the growing needs of its population.
The draft budget aligns with the Medium-Term Budgetary Framework for 2026–2028, developed through wide consultations involving communities, civil society organisations, devolved services, and traditional authorities.
The Assembly is also expected to review reports from the health and secondary education sectors, as well as an update on project execution. The President underscored the Region’s strong physical execution rate, consistently in the high 90th percentile throughout the mandate, but acknowledged isolated delays and quality concerns. “These reviews help us correct shortcomings and place the next mandate on a strong and structured foundation,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of the North-West Development and Investment Fund (NOWEDIF), designed as a public, private instrument to mobilise major investments, coordinate revenue-generating activities, and support long-term development.
The Peace and Development Initiative (PDI) will continue into 2026, maintaining its community-driven development model that includes high-intensity labour projects and cash-for-work programmes aimed at enhancing social cohesion and peacebuilding. According to the President, these initiatives “respond directly to the Head of State’s call for deeper citizen involvement in local development.”
The President outlined four strategic pillars guiding the 2026 financial year: Basic Social Services (Health and Education): Plans include equipping emergency health centers, reinforcing pharmaceutical warehouses, upgrading hospital infrastructure, and supporting vulnerable groups and persons displaced by conflict. Investments in technical and secondary education are anticipated to improve future employability.
Economic Development and Environmental Protection: Priority projects include completing the Regional lodge, advancing the development of Regional markets, consolidating progress at the Mutan Market in Nkwen, and initiating construction on an external customs clearance facility—an early step toward establishing a Regional dry port. Strengthening the digital economy and attracting private sector investment through NOWEDIF are also high on the agenda.
Citizenship, Culture, Sports, Youth
The Assembly plans to expand vocational and technical training opportunities and promote youth engagement in digital entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture and food processing technologies. Civic education and community mobilization remain central components.
Governance and Local Administration
Efforts will be made to improve internal administrative capacity, strengthen the workforce, and deepen collaboration with civil society organisations. Special attention will be given to the inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities, women, and young people.
Representing the State, the Governor of the North-West Region declared the session open, describing it as both an “honour and privilege.” He congratulated the Assembly’s outgoing members for their contributions over the past five years, noting that 243 projects worth 18 billion CFA francs had been executed across the Region’s 34 Subdivisions and seven Divisions.
He highlighted the successful implementation of more than 200 HILA projects, which created employment for 5,015 people and invested 600 million CFA francs in labor-intensive development, despite the region’s complex socio-political context and limited capacity for self-generated revenue.
The Governor praised the re-election of the Assembly’s President and a majority of councillors, while acknowledging that seven Fons and 18 Divisional Representatives did not return for a second mandate.
He underscored the positive impact of the PDI in restoring social cohesion and expressed optimism about the forthcoming implementation phase of NOWEDIF, which he described as a “milestone achievement” for the Region.
Reflecting on recent political events, including the October 12 presidential election won by President Paul Biya, the Governor condemned attempts by certain political actors to incite disorder through calls for boycotts, lockdowns, and ghost towns.
He urged councillors and community leaders to continue sensitisation efforts, noting that the North-West Region recorded no incidents of protest or vandalism, unlike other Regions. He reiterated the call: “If you see something, say something,” encouraging close cooperation with administrative authorities and security forces to eliminate remaining threats and ensure lasting peace.
As councillors began scrutinising the 2026 draft budget, the Governor emphasized that the aspirations of the population must remain the Assembly’s highest priority. He called for transparency, accountability, and responsible management of state funds to ensure effective decentralisation. “All these ambitious projects require peace and security,” he stressed. “Let us work with all stakeholders, especially at the grassroots, to strengthen participation in local governance.” The Governor wished councillors well in their deliberations, urging them to adopt a realistic and people-centered budget for 2026.
