Benin public service advancement unlocks new pay grade for over 1100 civil servants

The Bénin government has approved the financial and administrative regularization of 1,110 civil servants who were previously stuck at the eleventh grade. This long-awaited decision brings immediate financial relief, including back pay adjustments for the affected public sector workers.

Following a cabinet meeting chaired by Romuald Wadagni, the Minister of State in charge of the Economy and Finance, the government formally authorized the automatic transition of these civil servants to the twelfth grade. The move applies to all eligible agents who met the required seniority and merit criteria as of December 31, 2025.

Ending bureaucratic and financial bottlenecks

This development marks the resolution of persistent delays linked to earlier career reforms. While legislative changes had already expanded the salary scale to facilitate smoother progression within the Système Intégré de Gestion des Ressources Humaines et de la Paie (SIGRHP), technical adjustments for automatic grade advancement had encountered processing delays. By formalizing this measure, the executive branch not only safeguards the career interests of the civil servants but also accelerates the digital modernization of the state’s human resource management.

The beneficiaries of this decision will see tangible results on their payslips. Ministries have been instructed to calculate and apply the financial impact without delay, ensuring that all outstanding salary arrears are settled promptly.

A strategic move for social stability

This mass regularization aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance social cohesion during the early phase of this administration. By demonstrating a commitment to administrative transparency and equitable compensation, Romuald Wadagni and his team aim to reinforce the dedication of the civil service corps, which plays a pivotal role in the ongoing structural reforms reshaping the country’s public sector.