Niger Ministry of Public Function: August 26 Declared Public Holiday

• Niger declares August 26 as a public holiday in accordance with Ordinance No. 2026-12.
• The Mouloud holiday is incorporated into the public holiday schedule, effective immediately.
• Private sector employers must ensure timely payment of wages for employees on the designated public holiday.
• Ordinance No. 2026-12 amends Law No. 97-20 of June 20, 1997, establishing national holidays in Niger.

The Ministry of Public Function, Labor and Employment has announced that August 26, 2026, will be a public holiday in Niger.

The Ministry of Public Function, Labor and Employment has announced that August 26, 2026, will be a public holiday in Niger. This decision is based on Ordinance No. 2026-12, which was issued on March 3, 2026, and amends Law No. 97-20 of June 20, 1997, establishing national holidays. The ordinance declares August 26 as a paid day off for all sectors, including public, parapublic, and private employers.

The Mouloud holiday, which falls on the following day, has been incorporated into the public holiday schedule.

Ordinance No. 2026-12 is a significant development in Niger's employment law landscape. The ordinance amends Law No. 97-20 of June 20, 1997, which initially established national holidays. By declaring August 26 as a public holiday, the government has ensured that employees across all sectors will receive a paid day off on this date.

This move is likely to impact private sector employers in Niger, who must now ensure timely payment of wages for their employees on the designated public holiday.

The declaration of August 26 as a public holiday has far-reaching implications for private sector employers in Niger. With this development, employers must adjust their payroll obligations and employee benefits to comply with the new regulations.

Lawyers and compliance officers should take note that this change may require significant adjustments to existing policies and procedures, particularly with regards to wage payment and employee leave.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that this development may impact employee benefits and payroll obligations for private sector employers in Niger, requiring them to ensure timely payment of wages on the designated public holiday.

Source: Original reporting via Communiqué du Ministère de la Fonction Publique, du Travail et de l’Emploi