Taxation Chief Addresses Revenue Collection in Crisis-Ridden North West Region

Fiefu Francis, North West Regional Chief of Taxation.

Fiekfu Francis, Regional Chief of Taxation for the North West, highlighted the challenges of mobilizing public revenue in a crisis area during the Regional Administrative Coordination Meeting (CCA) chaired by North West Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique on May 27, 2025. Despite the crisis, Francis reported that tax collection in the region has increased, attributing the success to winning the loyalty of taxpayers and making taxes more human and convincing to collect.

He emphasized that the traditional approach of sealing shops or forcing taxpayers to pay is no longer effective. Instead, the focus is on collecting taxes in a politically acceptable and socially correct manner. He noted that the law on forceful recovery still exists, but exceptions are made in the North West and South West regions to avoid exacerbating the crisis.

Cross Section of Participants During the CCA Meeting.

The North West Taxation Chief also highlighted the impact of tax collection on small taxpayers, stating that they make up about 80% of taxpayers but contribute only 20% of the revenue. As a result, the focus is on collecting taxes from a smaller group of taxpayers who contribute a larger share of the revenue.

Regarding market vendors, Francis clarified that paying taxes does not give them the right to install themselves anywhere without following rules and regulations. He emphasized that taxes are collected based on revenue, not location or positioning.

Cross Section of Members of the High Table.

Francis also responded to concerns raised by the Mayor of Bamenda I Council, suggesting that the council should write to the Ministry of Decentralization and Local Development to request exceptions or adjustments to the tax collection system, considering the dynamic population movement in the area.

On waste removal, Francis explained that hygiene and sanitation have been integrated into the synthetic tax, and an additional council tax has been introduced to support waste collection in towns. The goal is to make cities cleaner and more hygienic.

Overall, Francis's presentation highlighted the complexities of tax collection in a crisis area and the need for a more nuanced and human-centered approach to revenue mobilization.