NiDCOM Raises Concern Over Gambia's Directive to Replace 57 Nigerian Bank Workers

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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed concern over a directive by the Central Bank of The Gambia requiring banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.

The Commission said the directive, reportedly issued on September 16, could affect 57 Nigerian professionals working in four Nigerian-origin banks operating in The Gambia.

In a statement issued by the commission's Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Tuesday, NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the affected Nigerians reportedly held valid residency and work permits and had contributed to the Gambian banking sector.


While acknowledging The Gambia's right to promote local employment and develop its workforce, Dabiri-Erewa said such policies should respect existing employment arrangements, legitimate work authorisations and the principles of African solidarity and regional integration.

NiDCOM also highlighted the economic contributions of the four banks, which it said collectively account for approximately 37.2 per cent of total banking industry deposits, valued at 35.3 billion Gambian dalasis; 32.6 per cent of loans, worth 7.67 billion dalasis; and 37 per cent of industry assets, valued at 44.78 billion dalasis.

The banks reportedly account for 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds and provide 90 per cent of the funding supporting the operations of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

The Commission described the directive as inconsistent with efforts to promote African investment, regional economic cooperation and the free movement of people, warning that its implementation could displace qualified African professionals.

It therefore called on the Central Bank of The Gambia to reconsider and reverse what it described as a blanket replacement directive.

NiDCOM also urged the Gambian authorities to engage the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, affected financial institutions and other stakeholders to reach an equitable resolution.

The Commission further called for constructive diplomatic engagement and respect for the spirit of ECOWAS integration and the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia.

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