The September Ordinary Session of the North West Regional Assembly opened this Monday under the shadow of a protracted crisis, but also with a sense of optimism. For five years, the Assembly has tried to respond to the devastating impact of the armed conflict the North West region on communities, while laying the groundwork for inclusive development. Now, attention is turning to the future, as the assembly orient the budget for the medium-term framework covering 2026, 2027 and 2028.
At the opening, the President of the North West Regional Executive Council, Prof Fru Angwafor, acknowledged both the difficulties and achievements of the first mandate. He pointed to deliberate efforts to engage young people, women and persons with disabilities, even if more could still be done.
“At this stage in development, we need to build capacity, and the policy of inclusive development is dear to us. We hope that in the years to come, this will be strengthened so that the strong uplift the weak and the needy. That’s Africa,” he told Hilltopvoices.
Figures from the Assembly highlight tangible results. Over the past five years, 244 public investment projects were executed, received and paid for. Communities also initiated more than 200 projects, which Prof Fru said created “local economies” and provided opportunities for peacebuilding and social cohesion. Major multi-year projects are nearing completion, including the nine-storey regional lodge and the new headquarters of the Regional Assembly.
Road maintenance, health infrastructure, secondary education and environmental protection through tree planting also received significant investment.
Still, the performance record shows gaps. Out of 74 projects under the Public Investment Budget, only 12 have been fully received, with a general execution rate of 52.65 per cent. The Presidential Reconstruction Plan, intended to accelerate recovery in the North West and South West, has seen only 9 per cent execution despite all 12 projects being awarded. Meanwhile, PROLOG that is the Local governance and resilient communities Project has 8 of 10 projects awarded and ongoing.
According to Prof Fru, these mixed results only highlight the importance of the current session.
“This is the final budget orientation session. Following our code, our budget is done within a medium-term framework. That means we distribute mature projects across the region for the 2026–2028 triennium, ensuring no part of the region is left behind. U mami we is not just a slogan but demonstrated through work on the ground.”
Representing the State, Governor Lele Lafrique Adolph Tchoffo Deben praised the Assembly for helping stabilise the region amid its challenges.
“They have contributed a lot to bring back the peace we are enjoying in the North West region today. They have also contributed to rebuilding back better in keeping with the recommendations of the Head of State. I therefore congratulate the President of the Regional Assembly and his team for a job well done,” he said.
As the Assembly turns its attention to the 2026–2028 budget cycle, the stakes remain high. In a region scarred by conflict, residents are looking not just for figures on paper but for projects that will rebuild livelihoods, strengthen cohesion and restore trust in governance. The challenge, as the Assembly itself recognises, is to transform the painful lessons of crisis into a future framework of resilience and inclusive development.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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