Niger's 71 départements serve as the country's second and final administrative subdivision level, functioning as the primary units for local governance and public service delivery. These départements handle essential administrative responsibilities including civil registration, tax collection, maintenance of public infrastructure, and coordination of health and education services within their territories. Each département is headed by a prefect appointed by the central government, who oversees the implementation of national policies at the local level. The départements also manage local development projects, resolve minor disputes, and serve as intermediaries between citizens and the national government. This administrative structure replaced the previous arrondissement system in 2002 as part of decentralization reforms aimed at bringing government services closer to rural populations across Niger's vast territory.