As Niger joins the continent in commemorating the 31st African Public Service Day, the nation’s Minister of Public Service, Labour and Employment, Aïssatou Abdoulaye Tondi, delivered a powerful message of transformation, asserting that “every agent, whatever their rank or position, is a key player in change.”
This year’s commemoration, observed across Africa on June 23, is held under the African Union’s overarching theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” In Niger, the theme has been adapted to reflect local priorities, with a national focus on “a Public Service at the Service of Social Justice.”
“The theme of this edition calls on all actors in public life,” said Minister Tondi. “It highlights the challenges that our Administration must meet to embody a model of justice, equality, access to decent employment, transparency and inclusion.”
Established in 1994 by the Pan-African Conference of Ministers in charge of the Public Service, and supported by the African Center for Training and Administrative Research for Development (CAFRAD), African Public Service Day aims to honor the critical role civil servants play in shaping national development.
In her speech, Minister Tondi emphasized that this year’s observance takes place during a pivotal moment for Niger — the era of Refoundation — a sweeping reform initiative led by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP).
“This day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the daily commitment of public officials and to reaffirm our collective desire to build a modern and efficient administration serving our fellow citizens,” she said.
“The Civil Service is a decision-making tool for development.”
Tondi highlighted ongoing reforms, including the digitalization of administrative procedures, modernization of management systems, and forthcoming large-scale projects aimed at building a fair and efficient public service. She underscored the need to promote transparency, performance, and innovation.
“This day is also intended to be a showcase for our fellow citizens to better see and appreciate the importance of the public service,” she noted, encouraging civil servants to embrace innovation and initiative.
Among key projects under her ministry are the revision of the General Status of the State Civil Service, new human resource management tools, and the modernization of IT infrastructure.
In closing, the Minister called on all Nigeriens to support the government’s drive to reshape governance through the spirit of sovereignty and reform.
“I would like to strongly affirm that at the time of the Refoundation, every agent, whatever their rank or position, is a key player in change,” she declared.
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