Niger Ministry Declares Official Paid Public Holiday for Mouloud

The Nigerien Minister of Public Function, Labour and Employment has reminded employers and employees in the public, para-public, and private sectors that, in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 2026-12 of March 3, 2026, amending Law No. 97-20 of June 20, 1997, establishing legal holidays, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, corresponding to the day after Mouloud, is declared a public holiday, a day off, and paid throughout the national territory.

This development has significant implications for employers and employees in Niger. The declaration of August 26 as a public holiday means that businesses will be closed on this day, and employees will receive pay for not working. This may impact business operations, particularly those with international clients or suppliers who may not observe this holiday. Employers must also ensure compliance with the relevant labour laws and regulations.

The legal context of this development is rooted in Ordinance No. 2026-12, which amended Law No. 97-20. The latter law established legal holidays in Niger, while the former ordinance modified these provisions to include August 26 as a public holiday. The relevant statutes and regulations governing labour laws in Niger are found in the Labour Code, which is enforced by the Ministry of Public Function, Labour and Employment.

The key parties involved in this development are the Nigerien government, employers, and employees. The Minister of Public Function, Labour and Employment has issued a communiqué to remind employers and employees of their obligations under the law. Employers must ensure compliance with labour laws and regulations, while employees have the right to receive pay for not working on public holidays.

Practitioners should monitor this development and advise clients accordingly. They should also be aware of the relevant labour laws and regulations in Niger, particularly those governing public holidays and employee rights.