On the occasion of World Civil Defence Day, observed on 1 March 2026 under the theme “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” the Minister of State, Minister of the Interior, Public Security and Territorial Administration of Niger, Major General Mohamed Toumba, delivered an official message highlighting the importance of protecting both the environment and civilian populations.

In his message, the Minister reaffirmed the collective commitment of the Government of Niger to environmental protection and to safeguarding civilians, in line with the international norms and principles that underpin the work of civil protection services.

He underlined that today’s risk environment is increasingly complex, shaped by natural disasters, technological hazards, climate change and evolving humanitarian challenges. In this context, civil protection services remain essential to strengthening safety and resilience for people, communities and the environment.

 

 

The Minister emphasized that managing environmental risks should not be understood as a separate field, but as a cross-cutting component in which civil protection services play a central role—particularly through prevention, preparedness and response.

According to the message, Niger is continuing its efforts, in line with its strategic orientations, to strengthen existing mechanisms, expand cooperation among nations and promote technological innovation, including innovative hazard monitoring technologies, with a view to improving crisis management and accelerating recovery and reconstruction after disasters.

The message also highlighted the importance of close cooperation between authorities and partners. In this regard, Niger and other countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) are reflecting, in line with the momentum initiated by Heads of State, on establishing a joint framework for action in the field, while strengthening existing partnerships.

In conclusion, the Minister paid tribute to the women and men serving in civil protection and reaffirmed the commitment of the highest national authorities, including the President of the Republic and Head of State, General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani, and the Prime Minister, to further efforts aimed at reducing disaster risks and their impacts on the people of Niger.