The 6th ordinary confederal congress of the Democratic Confederation of Niger Workers (CDTN) commenced on September 20, 2026, at the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey. The congress is being held under the theme "liberty and syndical rights, representativeness of syndical organizations, and collective bargaining in the context of general mobilization in Niger." This event brings together workers and syndical leaders to discuss pressing issues affecting the labor sector.
During the congress, participants will review the mandate of 2022-2026, as well as the moral and financial reports of the National Executive Bureau (BEN) and the Administrative and Financial Control Commission (CCAF). They will also receive communications from regional coordinations on the life of this organization. The election of a new bureau of the BEN and CCAF is also on the agenda. For three days, congressists will engage in panels on social dialogue, peace, and social cohesion in Niger.
Key topics to be discussed during the panels include social security for state contract workers, syndical responses and strategies to migration in Niger, and the potentialities and opportunities, challenges, and constraints of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAF) for workers. Additionally, participants will explore strategies for mobilizing internal resources to ensure sustainable development in Niger and women's entrepreneurship in the country.
The Director-General of Labor and Employment, Moussa Saidou Marayé, presided over the inaugural session. He conveyed greetings from the Minister in charge of Labor and Employment, highlighting the significance of this meeting in the life of the CDTN. Marayé emphasized that this congress is an opportunity for debate, collective reflection, renewal of instances, and definition of orientations aimed at better defending workers' interests.
Marayé underscored the relevance and importance of the central theme of these deliberations, reassuring that the government reaffirms its availability to strengthen dialogue with syndical organizations. He stressed that workers' concerns must be heard, examined with attention, and treated within the framework of sincere and constructive dialogue. The government, he noted, is committed to finding responsible, realistic, and durable compromises.
The Director-General of Labor and Employment also reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Public Service, Labor, and Employment to work alongside all social partners in consolidating a peaceful social climate. He expressed hope that the congress will contribute to strengthening syndical rights and freedoms, while respecting existing texts, and dynamizing mechanisms for negotiation and collective bargaining.
The 6th ordinary confederal congress of the CDTN will conclude with the adoption of resolutions and recommendations aimed at promoting a better work environment and enhancing the role of syndical organizations in Niger. The outcomes of this congress are expected to have a positive impact on labor relations and social dialogue in the country, ultimately contributing to the improvement of working conditions for Niger workers.
Key points
- The congress focuses on liberty and syndical rights, representativeness of syndical organizations, and collective bargaining.
- Participants will discuss pressing issues affecting the labor sector, including social security and migration.
- The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening dialogue with syndical organizations.
