Niger: Partial decommissioning of the Guesselbodi forest, a strategic lever for customs and industrial modernization

Meeting on Friday, May 16, 2025, the Council of Ministers adopted two major decrees authorizing the partial declassification of the Guesselbodi classified forest. This strategic decision is part of a broader effort to strengthen state infrastructure, aimed at addressing growing needs in customs logistics and industrial development.

The first decree concerns a 50-hectare portion designated for the construction of a modern customs complex. This initiative seeks to significantly improve the services provided to users by equipping the customs administration with adequate facilities, including a parking area for trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. The project is designed to ease the flow of goods and enhance the efficiency of the customs system, which is a cornerstone of the country’s economic sovereignty.

The second decree authorizes the declassification of an additional 100 hectares to establish a functional and interconnected industrial zone. This area aims to become an economic development hub, promoting local processing, job creation, and attracting private investment. Such infrastructure will help boost national productive capacities, develop local value chains, and stimulate exports.

The government emphasized that these decisions comply with Article 24 of the Forest Code Act of June 8, 2004, in Niger, which permits the partial or total declassification of a classified forest when justified by public interest or general utility. It was also stated that strict environmental and social safeguards will accompany these projects, in accordance with existing legislation.

By combining land use planning, industrialization, and public service reform, these projects reflect a clear commitment to reinforcing the authority and operational capacity of the state. Far from being a simple land reallocation, the partial declassification of the Guesselbodi forest represents a strategic investment in the economic and institutional modernization of Niger.