 In the late 1970s, he moved to undertake further studies in civil engineering in Cuba.After working on various civil engineering projects, in 1985, he became the director of Zanatany, then from 1989 until 2003 he held various prominent civil service posts.Under President Marc Ravalomanana, Lahiniriko was appointed as the Minister of Public Works in Prime Minister Jacques Sylla's first government, named on March 1, 2002, remaining in that position until January 2003.