NiDCOM Challenges Gambia’s Order to Replace Foreign Bank Workers, 57 Nigerians Affected

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has criticised a Central Bank of The Gambia directive mandating banks to replace foreign employees with Gambian nationals, saying the order threatens the employment of 57 Nigerians.

NiDCOM chief executive, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the September 16 directive as deeply worrisome, noting that it could displace Nigerian professionals working in the country.

According to a statement by the Commission’s spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) has given financial institutions until December 31, 2026, to replace all non-Gambian employees with Gambians.

NiDCOM said the affected Nigerians are employed by four Nigerian-owned banks and have valid residency and work permits.

The Commission highlighted the banks’ importance to The Gambia’s financial sector, saying they control 37.2 per cent of deposits amounting to GMD35.3 billion, 32.6 per cent of loans valued at GMD7.67 billion and 37 per cent of total industry assets worth GMD44.78 billion.

It further stated that the banks represent 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds and contribute 90 per cent of funding for the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged The Gambia’s legitimate interest in creating jobs for its citizens but insisted that employment policies must take into account existing contracts, valid work permits and ECOWAS free movement agreements.

She said, “It is contradictory to encourage African investment and regional cooperation while displacing qualified African professionals.”

NiDCOM appealed to the Gambian apex bank to reverse the blanket directive and consult the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul alongside relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably.

It also called on the Gambian government to respect ECOWAS integration principles and sustain the longstanding friendly relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.

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