Niger Reactivates Decentralization Framework to Reinforce National Governance

Niamey, December 1, 2025 - After a three-year hiatus, Niger has formally reactivated the Consultation Framework on Decentralization (CCD), reaffirming its central role in guiding local governance reforms. The re-launch took place during a workshop at the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center, presided over by Major General Mohamed Toumba, Minister of State for the Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration. He was joined by Niamey Regional Governor Assoumane Abdou Harouna and Claudio Tognola, Head of Swiss Cooperation, representing international development partners.

Minister Toumba underscored the government’s strategic vision, noting that decentralization is “not simply an administrative reorganization, but a fundamental societal choice - a governance model that places communities at the heart of public action and national development.”

Technical sessions examined the status of the transfer of competences from central to local authorities, revealing that municipalities currently receive less than 2% of the national budget. Participants recommended a progressive increase to 5% by 2029, aligning the reform with WAEMU’s regional integration targets.

The revitalized reform agenda is organized around four priority pillars:

Clarifying the powers transferred between the central government and local entities.

Establishing sustainable financing mechanisms for local governance.

Reorganizing local planning and development processes.

Significantly strengthening the capacities of local authorities.

Sectoral ministers from Education, Health, Water Resources, and Environment presented detailed progress reports, highlighting advances made to date while acknowledging persistent structural challenges that continue to impede full implementation of the decentralization policy.