Gambian Central Bank Directive To Replace Nigerians Sparks Concern As NiDCOM Reacts

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has expressed deep concern over a directive reportedly issued by the Central Bank of Gambia.

The directive issued on September 16, 2026 requires banks in the Gambia to replace existing non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.

In a press statement released on November 3, 2026, NiDCOM described the directive as deeply worrisome.

While the commission recognises Gambia’s right to promote local employment and develop its workforce, it noted that such policies must be implemented fairly and in a manner that respects existing employment arrangements, legitimate work authorisations and the principles of African solidarity and regional integration.

According to information available to the commission, 57 Nigerian professionals employed by four Nigerian-origin banks operating in Gambia could be affected by the directive.

The affected professionals reportedly hold valid residency and work permits and have contributed significantly to the Gambian banking sector.

The commission also highlighted the economic contributions of the four Nigerian banks in Gambia. Collectively, they account for approximately 37.2 percent of total banking industry deposits amounting to GMD35.3 billion, 32.6 percent of loans amounting to GMD7.67 billion and 37 percent of industry assets amounting to GMD44.78 billion.

The banks also account for approximately 34.5 percent of investments in Central Bank bonds and reportedly contributed 90 percent of the funding supporting the operations of the National Water and Electricity Company, NAWEC.

NiDCOM said it is contradictory to encourage African investment, regional economic cooperation and the free movement of people while adopting employment measures that could lead to the indiscriminate displacement of qualified African professionals.

The commission therefore called on the Central Bank of Gambia to immediately reconsider and reverse the blanket replacement directive and engage the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, affected financial institutions and relevant stakeholders towards an equitable resolution.

NiDCOM also urged Gambian authorities to uphold the spirit of ECOWAS integration and the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia, while calling for a constructive diplomatic engagement on the matter.

The statement was signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM.