The Inspection Générale des Finances (IGF) has launched a sweeping audit campaign targeting the mining industry across Niger this month. As part of its 2026 fiscal oversight strategy, 118 financial inspectors have been deployed to nearly 200 public and private entities nationwide, with a sharp focus on mining operations and revenue streams.

Christophe Bitasimwa Bahii, Head of the IGF, emphasized the critical importance of this mission following directives from the 87th Council of Ministers. The primary objective is to enhance transparency in revenue collection while identifying gaps in the financial management of mining activities.

Emmanuel Tshibingu, Deputy Head of the IGF, explained that this initiative builds on earlier 2026 fiscal controls and expands into specialized areas such as customs and tax revenue monitoring. «The first wave of inspections this year revealed vulnerabilities we must address. Now, we are intensifying our oversight of mining revenues, deploying teams to key locations to strengthen fiscal collections,» he stated.

The mining sector remains a cornerstone of Niger’s economy, contributing significantly to state coffers. However, authorities seek greater clarity on the entire production-to-revenue chain, from declaration and collection to traceability. The IGF aims to pinpoint inefficiencies, propose corrective measures, and bolster public treasury inflows.

In a pre-deployment briefing, Bahii reinforced the ethical obligations of inspectors: «As senior civil servants, your duty is to serve the state’s interests without compromise. Independence and impartiality must guide your work—resist external pressures and deliver objective assessments.»

He underscored the need for meticulous investigations, rigorous analysis, and precise reporting, noting that these findings will directly inform government decision-making. This renewed push for accountability underscores the IGF’s commitment to fortifying fiscal governance in Niger’s mining sector—a vital engine of national development.