The Kapelebyong District Local Government has initiated a comprehensive verification exercise targeting money lenders operating within the area, following a surge of complaints regarding exploitative and unlawful lending practices.
In an official directive dated November 5, 2026, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Akileng Simon Peter ordered Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks to compile and submit comprehensive inventories of all active money lenders in their respective sub-counties and town councils by November 20.
According to the CAO, the intervention was prompted by persistent grievances from local residents regarding informal lenders operating outside the law.
"Reference is made from numerous complaints from communities across the district about money lenders who operate without valid licenses from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development," CAO Akileng stated in the directive.
Once the lists are submitted, the District Commercial Officer will cross-reference the operators to verify who holds legitimate ministerial licenses and local operational permits, and flag those running illicit businesses.
District authorities say the operation is designed to tighten regulatory oversight over the financial sector and shield vulnerable residents from predatory lenders who often impose exorbitant interest rates and harsh collateral terms.
The local government has urged residents to cooperate with local leaders during the mapping exercise and report any suspicious or unlicensed lending activities to authorities.
