Niger: Withdrawal of tax benefits for companies/A sovereign decision by General Abdourahamane Tiani that redefines the rules of the economic game with multinationals

During the latest Council of Ministers held in Niamey, the Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, decided to withdraw the tax and customs benefits previously granted to Dangote Cement Niger SA and KAO Ciment SAS due to their failure to fulfill their social responsibilities. With this decision, General Tiani firmly asserts the country’s economic sovereignty. It marks a clear break from an era when large companies’ commitments often escaped state oversight.

According to reports, the commitments made by these companies concerned job creation and social investments in accordance with the investment code. These efforts were intended to boost industrialization and job creation, particularly in the Tahoua region. However, after several years of unfulfilled promises and repeated reminders, the outcome is clear: none of the initial commitments were honored. Neither the 179 billion CFA francs in investments promised by Dangote nor the 159 billion announced by KAO Ciment, nor even the 1,000 direct jobs expected, were delivered.

In addition to withdrawing the benefits, the Nigerien state is also demanding a full reimbursement of the advantages that were unduly received. This is a strong move, both legal and symbolic, intended to send a clear message: Niger’s development will no longer come at a loss.

This decision is part of a broader effort to rebalance the relationship between the state and multinational corporations, a process that began last March with the strengthening of the mining framework. It shows that a state can remain attractive without compromising on results and can ensure that its wealth genuinely benefits the national economy. In essence, economic sovereignty is not declared — it is proven.