Regional Councillors are deliberating to shape the financial blueprint that will guide development priorities across the region in 2026.
The five-day session, which opened Monday 8 at the NWRA Auditorium has brought together a diverse assembly of stakeholders under the theme « Strengthening Decentralisation Through the 2026 Budget. » The atmosphere inside the auditorium reflects the weight of the task at hand, as members of both the House of Divisional Representatives and the House of Chiefs engage in detailed committee work and plenary debates. The draft 2026 budget now under scrutiny represents more than just numbers on a ledger it embodies the Assembly’s commitment to making decentralisation work for ordinary citizens across the North West.
The session is animated by discussions about infrastructure gaps, healthcare access, and agricultural support. Regional councillors are acutely aware they are operating in a complex environment marked by both development aspirations and ongoing security and socio-economic challenges that have affected communities throughout the region.
The deliberations are notably inclusive. Alongside the elected representatives, sector ministry officials, mayors from various councils, traditional rulers, civil society representatives, and development partners have converged to contribute their perspectives. This collaborative approach signals a maturing decentralisation process where multiple voices help shape regional priorities.
Key focus areas dominating the discussions include aligning budget allocations with genuine development needs, enhancing financing for people-centred projects in infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture, and strengthening mechanisms for youth and women’s empowerment. Councillors are also emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability, with several speakers stressing that citizens must see tangible returns from regional investments.
Committee deliberations continue through the week, with working groups examining different sectors and budget lines in granular detail. The collaborative spirit extends beyond mere consultation mayors and council representatives are actively participating in shaping allocations that will ultimately impact service delivery at the grassroots level.
Jennyhans Nde
