The Niger State Government has announced an immediate suspension of the employment and engagement of casual workers across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), directing public institutions to outsource certain essential services instead.

The directive was contained in an official circular dated November 7, 2025, and signed by the Head of Service, Abubakar Sadiq Idris. The memo was addressed to senior government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government, Clerk of the House, and all Permanent Secretaries.

The circular, titled “Suspension of Engagement of Casual Workers in the State Civil Service,” expressed concern over what it described as “a barrage of applications for conversion of casual workers to permanent and pensionable staff,” despite the ongoing recruitment exercise by the Civil Service Commission.

“The Office of the Head of Service has noticed with great concern the barrage of applications for conversion of casual workers to permanent and pensionable staff by some MDAs despite the ongoing recruitment exercise by the Civil Service Commission,” the circular stated.

Consequently, all MDAs have been directed to halt the employment of casual workers immediately.

In addition, the government ordered that any agency wishing to retain its current casual staff must pay them at least the national minimum wage, while services such as cleaning, security, and driving should henceforth be outsourced to external firms.

“Those MDAs willing to retain their casual staff should pay them the minimum wage, while essential services (cleaners, security personnel, and drivers) are to be outsourced,” the document declared.

The Head of Service further instructed all agency heads to circulate the circular widely and ensure full compliance with the established procedures for filling vacancies in the civil service.

He warned that any violation of the new directive would attract sanctions in accordance with the Civil Service Rules, stating that “any form of noncompliance by an MDA or contravention of this circular will leave this office with the option of invoking the relevant provisions against defaulters.”

The policy marks a major shift toward centralised employment control within the Niger State Civil Service, as the government seeks to streamline recruitment, curb irregular appointments, and reduce wage liabilities.