Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Abdoulaye Seydou, arrived in Tahoua on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to commence a 72-hour working visit in the region. His arrival in the afternoon marked the official start of the visit, which is expected to cover various engagements within the Tahoua Region over the course of three days. Before reaching Tahoua city, Minister Abdoulaye Seydou made stops in the localities of Madaoua and Malbaza, initiating his series of inspections and meetings. The visit's itinerary suggests a full tour of key economic and industrial areas within the region, focusing on vital sectors such as hydrocarbons and cement production.
Inspections in Madaoua
In Madaoua, Minister Abdoulaye Seydou, accompanied by the Governor of the Tahoua Region, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, conducted inspections of several gas stations. The purpose of these visits was to verify diesel availability and to address any reported malpractices concerning its distribution and sale to ensure fair and consistent supply for the local population and businesses. The Minister engaged directly with station operators and local officials during these checks. Following these inspections, Minister Abdoulaye Seydou engaged with local economic and civil society actors. The discussions focused on the 'refoundation' spirit, a framework for national development, and specifically addressed the current situations regarding hydrocarbons and cement within the region. This meeting provided a key platform for local stakeholders to share their perspectives and concerns on these critical issues impacting the region's economy and daily life. The Minister listened attentively to the challenges faced by the community and discussed potential solutions within the national development framework.
Malbaza Industrial Site Visit
The ministerial delegation, led by Minister Abdoulaye Seydou, visited the MCC cement plant in Malbaza. This visit was part of broader inspections that included gas stations and aimed to assess working conditions, challenges, and future prospects at the facility. The MCC cement plant, a significant industrial asset for the region, was inaugurated in 2019. It operates with an impressive production capacity of 650,000 tons per year, playing a key role in meeting national demand for construction materials. The establishment of this industrial complex required a substantial investment of approximately 50 billion CFA francs. It currently provides employment for 890 agents, with 108 of these being expatriates, contributing significantly to local employment and economic activity. MCC was established on the site previously occupied by the Société Nigérienne de Cimenterie (SNC), effectively rising from the ruins of the former cement company to become a modern and high-capacity production facility. During the visit, the delegation toured the production lines and held discussions with plant management and employees to understand their operational realities and future expansion plans.
Regional Context and Welcome
Upon arrival in Tahoua, Minister Abdoulaye Seydou and his delegation received a formal welcome 8 kilometers outside the city. This traditional reception demonstrated the importance placed on the ministerial visit by local authorities. Regional and customary administrative authorities greeted the minister and his entourage, signifying the collaborative spirit between national leadership and local governance. The Secretary General of the Tahoua Governorate, Mr. Yacouba Soukeyradjou, was present to welcome the delegation, showing the involvement of the regional administration. Also among those greeting the Minister was the Delegate Administrator of Tahoua city, Mr. Sahabi Moussa, representing the municipal leadership. Their presence marked the official reception for the Minister as he commenced his 72-hour working visit in the Tahoua Region, setting a positive tone for the engagements ahead. The welcome ceremony noted the collective commitment to addressing the region's economic and industrial priorities during the Minister's stay.