The government of General Abdourahamane Tiani, which took power in July 2023, is advancing a sweeping administrative overhaul in Niger to counter the persistent threat posed by jihadist groups. On May 12, 2026, the Ministry of Interior, Public Security, and Territorial Administration unveiled a proposal to expand the country’s administrative divisions from 8 regions to 19, while increasing departments from 63 to 82. The plan was outlined to members of the Advisory Council for Refoundation (CCR) by Abdoulkader Hama, Director General of Territorial Administration, reflecting the broader refoundation agenda led by Tiani and Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba.
The reform hinges on breaking down existing large regions into smaller entities. Regions such as Maradi, Zinder, and Tahoua would each be divided into three new regions, while Tillabéri, Agadez, and Diffa would be split into two. The capital district of Niamey would also be restructured into two separate departments. Additionally, the number of communes would rise to 255, aiming to decentralize administration and bring state services closer to remote communities where public infrastructure remains sparse.
General Toumba had previously highlighted the security imperative of this restructuring in an April 21 interview, positioning the creation of new regions as a cornerstone of a fortified security framework. The move is directly tied to the escalating jihadist violence, particularly in the tri-border area where the so-called Islamic State in the Sahel operates, as well as the Lake Chad basin, where factions linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to launch attacks.
Local pushback challenges the reform
The proposal has already sparked significant opposition in several areas. In the east, residents of Nguigmi have voiced strong objections to the creation of a new region called Komadougou, with Diffa as its capital. Critics argue that the name fails to reflect the geography of Lake Chad and that elevating Nguigmi to regional status was overlooked. Meanwhile, in the west, residents of Say department have expressed concerns that the new administrative map would push some communities farther from their designated regional capitals, contradicting the government’s stated goal of proximity.
While the government has not disclosed the financial implications of the reform—including costs for establishing new governorates, administrative buildings, and staffing—the proposal remains in the consultation phase. Final adjustments are expected after deliberations with the CCR before being formally adopted by the transitional authorities.
