Niger’s military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.

The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.

According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”

Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.

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Most of the country’s about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.

The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”

This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.

During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was approved to stay in power for five more years.

Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.

These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.

They’ve also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr Dele Ayanleke, are expected to headline a national workshop aimed at addressing the growing challenges of illegal mining and mineral smuggling.

Scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 April 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event is being organised by Allied Bond Consulting.

It is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for securing mining sites and fostering sustainable development within mining communities.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmed Yahya, and the Workshop Coordinator, Willie Tawo, the organisers said the two-day event would focus on “articulating pragmatic strategies and proactive measures to combat the menace of illegal mining and smuggling.”

The workshop also aims to promote international best practices in mining operations, enhance security at mining sites, and explore how the sector can attract further investment and serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Participants will deliberate on creating a stable, secure environment for mining, promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities, and using the solid minerals sector as a platform for building the country’s industrial base.