Common law lawyers who double as notaries public in Cameroon’s North West Region have been urged to tighten compliance with tax laws and professional standards, following a one-day training seminar held in Bamenda.
The workshop, which took place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of Club 58 at Upstation in Bamenda, brought together dozens of legal practitioners under the theme “The Notary Public and Its Fiscal Obligations," organized by Barrister Njie Jude Mokom, Special Delegate of the Batonnier for the region.
Clarifying the Role of Notaries
Speaking at the event, Barrister Mbah Eric Mbah, President, of the Cameroon Bar Association, sought to dispel what he described as a common misconception about the profession. “Many people feel like we, lawyers of the North West and South West regions, act as notaries. That is not true. We are notaries,” he said, stressing that the role is not temporary but a “dual calling” embedded in legal practice.
He highlighted the evolving nature of the profession, noting that continuous legal reforms require practitioners to regularly update their knowledge. “The laws are amended constantly. We must revise and acquaint ourselves with modern practices and technologies,” he added.
Focus on Tax Compliance
A central theme of the seminar was fiscal responsibility, particularly the obligation of notaries to ensure taxes linked to legal transactions are properly collected and remitted. Barrister Mbah Eric issued a stark warning to practitioners who fail to comply.
“All notaries who misdirect clients on fiscal duties are ‘delayed prisoners,'" he said, later clarifying that the remark was intended to underscore the seriousness of non-compliance rather than accuse lawyers of criminality. He reminded them that, as ministerial officers of the court, notaries play a key role in safeguarding state revenue.
Addressing Gaps in Practice
Barrister Njie Jude Mokom, the Bar President's North West Special Delegate, said the training was necessary to address gaps in practice among both new and experienced lawyers. “We are in a profession where we need continuous training,” he explained. “Young colleagues are still learning, while some older ones have not fully adapted to new regulations.”
He acknowledged existing challenges, particularly inconsistencies in notarial fees and lapses in tax procedures. “We want to ensure that the fees charged by one notary are the same as those charged by another for the same service. The law already provides a clear structure,” he said. According to organizers, the region currently has about 437 practicing lawyers.
Standardizing Fees and Record-Keeping
One of the seminar’s facilitators, Judith Suna Nso, a Douala-based notary public expert, delivered sessions on bookkeeping and fee calculation. She outlined the legal requirement for notaries to maintain key records, including the general register and particular register, alongside standard accounting books. “These records ensure transparency and allow proper monitoring of transactions and taxes,” she said.
She also encouraged clients to seek professional legal guidance, particularly for complex land transactions, which she considered to be very tricky. “Notaries are there to guide you and ensure your transactions are properly registered,” she added.
Tax Authority Weighs In
The Regional Chief of Taxes for the North West, Francis Feikfu, used the platform to clarify the role of tax authorities. “Our duty is to collect revenue for the state. We are not judges of legality,” he said, urging lawyers to deal directly with his office rather than intermediaries.
He also revealed concerns about fraudulent practices, including falsified signatures on official documents, and encouraged greater vigilance. “We are always open to dialogue, and we expect compliance going forward,” he said.
Positive Reception from Participants
Participants welcomed the seminar, describing it as long overdue. Barrister Nana Wilson Suh, on his part, said the training had filled a critical gap in professional development. “We are trained not only as lawyers but equally as notaries. This seminar has given us practical knowledge that will improve our work,” he said, noting his more than 15 years of legal experience.
Looking Ahead
Organizers expressed hope that the seminar would lead to greater uniformity in notarial practice and improved collaboration with tax authorities. Barrister Mokom, in his closing remarks, urged colleagues to apply the law consistently and uphold professional standards. “We now have the basics. Let us ensure compliance and avoid undercharging or irregular practices,” he said.
The seminar marks a broader effort by the Cameroon Bar Association to strengthen the integrity and efficiency of notarial services, as the profession adapts to evolving legal and fiscal demands.
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