The operation to clear the Niamey International Airport's right-of-way is founded on solid legal grounds and addresses public safety imperatives, while emphasizing a social approach based on the relocation of affected persons. M. Abdoul Kadri Amadou Daouda, Minister of Urbanism and Housing, affirmed these points during a year-end review interview with the press on Monday, June 22, 2026. M. Daouda stated that "this operation is part of a declaration of public utility allowing the State to restore its domain while guaranteeing accompanying measures for the affected populations." He added that "impacted individuals will be rehoused in villas built by the State, while plot holders will receive equivalent land compensation." The Minister showed that the operation is based on solid legal grounds and responds to public safety imperatives, prioritizing a social approach.
Legal and Safety Justifications
The Niamey International Airport land reclamation operation is framed by a declaration of public utility. This legal instrument permits the State to reclaim its domain while simultaneously ensuring accompanying support measures for the affected populations. The government stated that a new land tenure regime has been implemented, which aims to strengthen the protection of State reserves. This regime incorporates more binding legal provisions designed to prevent irregular occupations of public land, thereby safeguarding public property. The overarching goal of these measures is to sustainably preserve the public domain in Niamey, ensuring its integrity and preventing future unauthorized encroachments. The new land tenure regime specifically strengthens the protection of State reserves through these more binding legal provisions.
Social Support Measures
Impacted individuals affected by the Niamey International Airport land reclamation operation are slated for rehousing in villas constructed by the State. This measure aims to provide new dwellings for those displaced by the project, ensuring they have suitable alternative accommodation. Additionally, individuals holding plots of land within the affected zone will receive equivalent compensation in land. This land compensation ensures that plot holders are not disadvantaged by the reclamation efforts and receive fair restitution. These provisions are part of the broader accompanying measures designed to support the populations impacted by the State's efforts to reclaim its domain. The government has outlined these social support initiatives as integral to the operation, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of the affected communities. The relocation of affected persons is a key component of this social approach.
Scope of Affected Properties
A full census conducted in the zone affected by the Niamey International Airport land reclamation operation identified 1,602 empty plots. The survey also counted 134 completed houses within the designated area, which will require relocation measures. Additionally, the census recorded 108 fenced plots, indicating established property lines within the affected zone. Another 115 constructions were found to be unfinished, representing properties in various stages of development. These figures provide a detailed scope of the properties impacted by the operation, noting the scale of the reclamation effort. The enumeration of these properties is a key step in facilitating the state's accompanying measures for affected populations, including rehousing and land compensation, ensuring all affected parties are accounted for.
Government Oversight Committee
An interministerial committee has been established to oversee the land reclamation operation at Niamey International Airport. This committee is coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior, which is responsible for leading the entire process. Its formation signifies a structured approach to managing the complex aspects of the operation, including legal adherence, safety standards, and social support measures for affected populations. The committee's role involves ensuring that all phases of the reclamation are executed in line with governmental directives and stated objectives. The Ministry of the Interior's coordination underlines the importance placed on this initiative, aiming for a full and organized implementation of the project, ensuring transparency and effectiveness throughout.