ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has raised concerns over a Gambian Central Bank directive that could lead to the replacement of 57 Nigerian professionals working in the country’s banking sector by December 31, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission said the directive, introduced on September 16, requires banks operating in The Gambia to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals before the end of the year. The affected Nigerians reportedly work in four banks of Nigerian origin and hold valid residency and work permits.
NiDCOM said the professionals had contributed to the Gambian financial sector, warning that the directive could disrupt their employment and raise concerns about regional cooperation and the rights of African workers. The commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, acknowledged The Gambia’s right to promote employment opportunities for its citizens but said such policies should respect existing employment arrangements and legitimate work authorisations. “While acknowledging The Gambia’s right to promote local employment and develop its workforce, such policies must respect existing employment arrangements, legitimate work authorisations and the principles of African solidarity and regional integration,” she said.
NiDCOM urged the Central Bank of The Gambia to reconsider the directive and engage the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, the affected financial institutions and other stakeholders to find a resolution. It also called for the protection of ECOWAS integration principles and continued diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and The Gambia.
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