Multi-billion Economic & Social Council headquarters commissioned.

It was the President of the Council, His Majesty Ayang Luc, who cut the inaugural ribbon on behalf of the Head of State, President Paul Biya. 

The inaugural ceremony was attended by top members of government, including the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute.

It was also attended by no fewer than 20 cabinet members and the President of the Constitutional Council, Lord Justice Clement Atangana. 

Senate President, Marcel Niat Njifenji, was represented by one of his Vice Presidents, former Minister Robert Nkili. The Speaker of the National Assembly was represented by the Senior Vice President, Hilarion Etong. 

Speaking shortly before cutting the inaugural ribbon, the President of the Economic and Social Council, Ayang Luc, described the infrastructure as a modern edifice.

Designed by renowned architect and politician, Hon Simon Fobi Nchinda, construction works at the site hosting the Economic and Social Council headquarters, kicked off in 2004. It took 20 years for the structure to be realised.

While commissioning the complex, situated in the Yaounde Mballa II neighbourhood, Ayang Luc, who served the Biya regime as Prime Minister, said the realisation of the structure was a dream come true.

The veteran politician-cum traditional ruler used the occasion to thank the Head of State for his efforts in making available funds for the construction of the edifice.

He said the journey towards the realisation of the structure hasn’t been an easy ride. 

Disclosing that the project suffered several hiccups, the ex-Prime Minister told the gathering that the project was abandoned four times due to lack of funds.

He, however, expressed delight that the structure is now complete and ready for use.

“It was abandoned several times due to difficulties in mobilising funds for the realisation of the complex. But thanks to the efforts of the Head of State, who gave instructions for the continuation of works, the construction company proceeded with the project,” Ayang Luc said.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Yaounde City Mayor, Luc Messi Atangana, thanked government for the realisation of the giant project.

“This edifice materialises the engagement of the Head of State, for a modern Cameroon,” he said. 

Mayor Messi continued: “This building that is being inaugurated today, besides its attractive look, goes to beef up the infrastructure situation of the city of Yaounde. It also offers a comfortable working space for distinguished members and personnel of this institution”.

The V-shaped Economic and Social Council complex is a 12-storey building, covering an area of approximately 12,000 square meters.

The complex includes two large committee rooms with seventy-five seats each, four medium-sized committee rooms with fifty-seven seats each, a board room, two hundred and sixty offices, an infirmary, a library, a media library, a printing house and restaurants at the garden-floor.

As an extension of the hemicycle, there is also a pavilion, which covers an area of 230 square meters. It is a building designed with prestige due to the personalities to whom it is dedicated.

With its pyramidal-shaped roof, the hemicycle building covers an area of about 1,900 square meters with a capacity of 350 seats. 

Meanwhile, the banquet hall covers 560 square meters in the shape of a decagon. Its roof is a spherical dome and it can host 800 guests.

Created by the Constitution, the Economic and Social Council is governed by Law N° 86/009 of 5th July 1986. It is seized by the President of the Republic for request or advice.

This is obligatory for opinion concerning bill programme or planning relating to economy. The Economic and Social Council has 150 members appointed by presidential decree.

Since 1986, with the abandonment of the five-year plans, the Economic and Social Council was no more seized.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3385 of Friday March 07, 2025