By Fatima Saka
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on the Central Bank of The Gambia to reverse its directive requiring banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals, warning that the policy could undermine African regional integration and displace Nigerian professionals.
The directive, reportedly issued on September 16, 2026, gives banks until December 31, 2026, to replace existing non-Gambian employees, a development that could affect 57 Nigerian professionals working in four Nigerian-origin banks operating in The Gambia.
NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the development as deeply worrisome, noting that the affected Nigerian professionals reportedly possess valid residency and work permits and have made significant contributions to the Gambian banking sector.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, and signed by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Commission acknowledged The Gambia’s right to promote local employment and develop its workforce.
However, it stressed that such policies must respect existing employment arrangements, legitimate work authorisations and the principles of African solidarity and regional integration.
The Commission further 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 35.3 billion Gambian dalasi, and 32.6 per cent of loans amounting to 7.67 billion dalasi.
The banks also reportedly account for 37 per cent of the industry’s total assets, valued at 44.78 billion dalasi, and approximately 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds.
NiDCOM added that the institutions reportedly provided 90 per cent of the funding supporting the operations of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
It described the proposed replacement policy as contradictory to efforts to encourage African investment, regional economic cooperation and the free movement of people, warning against measures that could result in the indiscriminate displacement of qualified African professionals.
The Commission therefore urged the Gambian apex bank to immediately reconsider and reverse the blanket directive.
It also called for engagement with the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, affected financial institutions and other relevant stakeholders to reach an equitable resolution.
READ ALSO: AI-Generated Deepfakes, Fake Election Announcements Threaten Nigeria’s 2027 Polls – INEC Chairman
NCDC: ₦10bn Ebola Intervention Fund Covers Lassa Fever, Cholera, Other Disease Threats
NiDCOM further appealed to Gambian authorities to uphold the spirit of ECOWAS integration and the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia.
It called for constructive diplomatic engagement to address the matter in a manner that protects the interests of both countries and strengthens regional cooperation.
About The Author
