Bénin: government clears civil service salary and career backlog

In a decisive move to support public sector workers, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, led by Romuald Wadagni, has initiated a sweeping operation to resolve long-standing salary delays and career advancement issues across government agencies.

The announcement was made on June 5, 2026, by Léa Estelle Honfo Akpovo, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance, outlining a month-long campaign in June to clear all pending career progressions scheduled for implementation no later than December 31, 2026, including those from previous years.

This initiative is a major relief for civil servants in Bénin, who have waited years for their rightful promotions and compensation. The government’s intervention addresses two critical areas:

Career progression and financial justice

The program ensures that all eligible employees receive their deserved promotions and salary adjustments. By leveraging the Sigrhp (Integrated Human Resources and Payroll Management System), the ministry guarantees a faster, fairer, and more transparent process for handling thousands of pending cases.

The modernized system eliminates bureaucratic delays, allowing each employee to receive the recognition and financial compensation they have earned through years of service. This move reflects the government’s commitment to improving public sector efficiency while prioritizing the well-being of its workforce.

Immediate action required from ministries

To expedite the process, all government ministries and public institutions have been instructed to compile and submit the records of eligible employees without delay. The deadline is tight, emphasizing the administration’s urgency in resolving these long-overdue issues.

The General Directorate of the Civil Service is overseeing the collection of documentation, ensuring that every affected worker’s file is processed promptly. This proactive approach underscores the government’s determination to settle outstanding matters once and for all, restoring confidence in the public sector’s accountability.

The initiative sends a strong message: the modernization of Bénin’s administration is not just about efficiency—it is also about delivering tangible benefits to those who serve the nation.