According to the statement read on national television, it was proposed by the Prime Minister, that the head of state has endorsed the appointment of Diop as Finance minister.
Massaoudou, also the secretary general of the ruling Niger Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS,) has been a member of all the governments of President Issoufou.
According to sources close to the PNDS, he was sacked for failing to discipline the party ahead of the 2021 presidential polls.
Considered a strong party leader, Massaoudou has the reputation of someone who would speak his mind in all circumstances.
Last Tuesday, he was heard on Radio France Internationale (RFI) defending staunchly the CFA franc, after the remarks made by the vice-president of the Italian Council, Luigi Di Maio, accusing France of impoverishing the African countries via the currency.
His stance was condemned by a part of civil society in Niger, including those who had called throughout the past year to demonstrate against some unpopular measures contained in the Finance Act 2018.