Paul Atanga Nji was born in 1960 in Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon. He is a Cameroonian politician and a key figure in the country’s government. He has served as the Minister of Territorial Administration since March 2, 2018, and is also the Permanent Secretary of the National Security Council. 

Background: Atanga Nji was born into an influential family in Cameroon’s Northwest Region. Education: He completed his primary and secondary education in Cameroon before continuing his studies in China and Nigeria. He holds multiple qualifications, including a master’s degree in Public Law, a PhD in Economics, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a certificate in financial management.

Early Career: Before his ministerial career, he worked in the ministries of Health, National Education, and Agriculture and also founded his own banking institution.

Political career

Atanga Nji is a member of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) and a long-time supporter of President Paul Biya.

Rise in government: He first served as Minister in Charge of Missions at the Presidency of the Republic, a position he held from 2007 until his appointment as Minister of Territorial Administration.

Hardline stance: He is known for his assertive and hardline approach, particularly in his role as Minister of Territorial Administration, which involves overseeing civil protection, election monitoring, and maintaining public order.

Handling the Anglophone crisis: His tenure has coincided with the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, and he has often been at the forefront of the government’s response.

Presidential election context: In October 2025, ahead of the presidential elections, he attracted media attention for announcing the closure of national borders and warning opposition figures.

Controversy: Nicknamed le Moulinex meaning blender machine; he is viewed by some as an effective operator for the regime and is known for his strong rhetoric against political opponents. However, his public statements and handling of dissent have made him a controversial figure in Cameroon.

Personal Life: He is also a family man and has publicly showcased his family life on several occasions. Paul Atanga Nji is reportedly married to two wives: Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga and Yvonne Abang Atanga.  Marguerite is a banker and entrepreneur. In April 2023, she was appointed CEO of CCA-Bank in Cameroon. Together with Paul Atanga Nji, Yvonne Abang Atanga donated a reconstructed church to the Immaculate Conception parish in Efoulan village. The couple is known for their philanthropic gestures.