Louis Paul Motaze, the Cameroon Minister of Finance, has expressed commendation for the North West Region Customs Department, acknowledging their outstanding performance despite prevailing security challenges. Minister Motaze made these remarks in Bamenda during the launch of activities for the 71st International Customs Day, where he also laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art customs office.
“I applaud the Customs Department in the North West for surpassing expectations in light of the difficult circumstances,” stated Minister Motaze. “Despite the hardships faced by the people in this region, the customs officials have consistently exceeded their targets.”
According to statistics from the Customs Department, there has been a steady increase in tax collection in the North West Region. The figures show collections amounting to 12 million in 2019, rising to 27 million in 2020, 176 million in 2021, 431 million in 2022, and surpassing 500 million in 2023. Projections indicate a target of one billion in 2024.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the impact of these substantial tax revenues on local development. Emelda, a young flour producer using cassava, shared her perspective, saying, “If the crisis ends and infrastructure improves, local producers can contribute to a booming economy.”
Louis Paul Motaze lays foundation stone in Bamenda Louis Paul Motaze lays foundation stone in Bamenda Louis Paul Motaze lays foundation stone in Bamenda Louis Paul Motaze lays foundation stone in Bamenda Louis Paul Motaze lays foundation stone in Bamenda Louis Paul Motaze lays foundation stone in Bamenda Louis Paul Motaze lays foundation stone in Bamenda
Despite the impressive financial figures, locals argue that the benefits are not evident in their social structures. The prevailing security challenges, marked by kidnappings and killings, have also targeted the customs department. The combination of heightened insecurity, poor road networks, and porous borders creates an economic handicap.
Epie Jerome, Customs Chief of Sector for the North West Region, highlighted the challenges faced by the department. “Heightened insecurity, insufficient office space, and poor road networks are the basis of the challenges we face,” he stated, emphasizing that an improved security situation would enhance their effectiveness.
In response to these challenges, the Minister of Finance laid the foundation stone for a modern customs office. “This building will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the town but also improve the operational efficiency of the customs department,” Motaze remarked.
The existing customs office in Bamenda operates from a deteriorating colonial structure, which has proven inadequate for the department’s numerous services. The anticipation is that a spacious and modern office will not only elevate the work of customs officials but also translate the substantial tax collections into improved social infrastructure in the region.
The new building is expected to be completed within a period of 36 months.
