The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on the Central Bank of The Gambia to reverse its directive requiring banks operating in the country to replace existing non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.
The Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the call in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, expressing concern over the potential impact of the directive on 57 Nigerian professionals employed by four Nigerian-origin banks operating in The Gambia.
The Central Bank of The Gambia, in a September 16, 2026 letter addressed to managing directors of all banks, directed financial institutions to adopt a phased approach to replacing existing non-Gambian staff with suitably qualified Gambian nationals.
The directive followed a meeting with bank managing directors on August 27, 2026, and was based on an industry study which reportedly found a relatively high number of non-Gambians employed in the banking sector.
The Central Bank explained that the employment situation violates provisions of the Labour Act 2023 and Guideline 9 on expatriate staff. It consequently directed all banks to complete the transition by December 31, 2026, with appropriate arrangements for skills transfer and continuity of operations.
Reacting, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged The Gambia’s right to promote local employment and develop its workforce but maintained that such policies should be implemented fairly, with respect for existing employment arrangements and legitimate work authorisations.
She noted that the affected Nigerian professionals reportedly possess valid residency and work permits and have made significant contributions to The Gambian banking sector.
The NiDCOM boss also highlighted the economic contributions of the four Nigerian-origin banks, which collectively account for approximately 37.2 per cent of total banking industry deposits, valued at GMD35.3 billion, and 32.6 per cent of loans, amounting to GMD7.67 billion.
She added that the banks account for about 37 per cent of industry assets, valued at GMD44.78 billion, as well as approximately 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds.
The banks reportedly also contributed 90 per cent of the funding supporting the operations of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
Dabiri-Erewa argued that measures capable of displacing qualified African professionals contradict efforts to encourage African investment, regional economic cooperation, and the free movement of people.
She urged the Central Bank of The Gambia to engage the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, affected financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to find an equitable resolution.
She also called on Gambian authorities to uphold the spirit of ECOWAS integration and the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia, stressing the need for constructive diplomatic engagement on the matter.
