Niger Faces Growing Socio-Economic Pressures, Union Warns

On October 11, 2025, the Democratic Confederation of Workers (CDTN) issued a stark warning on Niger’s socio-economic situation, highlighting challenges that threaten public sector stability and household livelihoods.

The union cited persistent fiscal management issues, including recurrent salary delays affecting roughly 35% of public sector employees, especially in health and education, stemming from cash flow difficulties in the Treasury.

Rising inflation is further eroding purchasing power, with an 18.7% year-on-year increase. Food prices surged 27.3% and transportation costs jumped 42.1%, following the removal of subsidies.

Employment trends remain concerning: an estimated 28,000 formal sector jobs have been lost since January 2025, primarily in construction, commerce, and hospitality, signaling a contraction in economic opportunities.