Niger’s public service reform gains ground with extensive digitalization

NIAMEY, July 28, 2026 – A pivotal phase has been reached in Niger’s public administration transformation efforts. During its first ordinary session of 2026, the Consulting Council for Refoundation (CCR) dedicated substantial discussion to the ongoing changes in state human resources management. Aïssatou Abdoulaye Tondi, the Minister of Public Service, Labor, and Employment, provided a comprehensive update on the key reforms spearheaded by her ministry.

The presentations, delivered to the Council members under the chairmanship of Dr. Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, highlighted initiatives aimed at making Niger’s administration more effective, equitable, and aligned with the overarching goals of the Refoundation.

A comprehensive overhaul of public administration

During the discussions, the Minister elaborated on the initiatives undertaken to restructure the state’s personnel management system. These reforms encompass the standardization of the public service, optimization of human resources management, modernization of administrative functions, and the development of national policies concerning labor and employment.

These strategic directions underscore the authorities’ commitment to building an administration capable of more effectively meeting citizen expectations while ensuring enhanced governance of human capital.

Digitalization at the core of transformation

A primary pillar of this reform centers on the digital transformation of the administration. The Minister highlighted the strides made in implementing the Integrated State Human Resources and Payroll Management System (SIGRHEP), a crucial tool designed to centralize and secure the administrative management of public employees.

Initial outcomes reveal significant progress. To date, over 16,500 employee files have been digitized, with an additional 23,000 records already updated. Concurrently, several specialized applications have been developed to bolster the efficiency of administrative services.

Ultimately, SIGRHEP is set to manage the integrated human resources and payroll for approximately 200,000 public agents. The system will also support the work of at least 150 human resources and payroll managers stationed across the national territory.

Statutory reforms and performance tools

Beyond the digital initiatives, the ministry also reviewed several institutional reforms implemented in recent months. Notable advancements include the adoption of new legal frameworks governing the general statute of the public service, the introduction of individual performance evaluation tools, and the deployment of a strategy for reassigning state agents to areas affected by post-crisis situations.

The ministerial department has also continued to organize professional examinations, direct recruitments, and the administrative career monitoring of thousands of civil servants.

The council examines reform challenges

These various communications spurred extensive discussions between the members of the Consulting Council for Refoundation and government representatives. Debates specifically addressed the complexities associated with modernizing the administration, managing human resources, and enhancing employment policies.

Following this productive working session, the Council members unanimously passed a motion commending the government officials who presented the progress report on these reforms.

Through these ongoing initiatives, Nigerien authorities aim to leverage administrative modernization as a crucial tool to elevate the quality of public services, strengthen state effectiveness, and support the objectives outlined within the framework of the Refoundation.