By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on the Central Bank of The Gambia to immediately reconsider and reverse its directive requiring banks operating in the country to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals, warning that the policy could lead to the displacement of 57 Nigerian professionals.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the directive, reportedly issued on September 16, 2026, as deeply worrisome, particularly as it requires affected banks to complete the replacement exercise by December 31, 2026.
According to an official statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM acknowledged The Gambia’s right to promote local employment and develop its workforce but insisted that such policies must respect existing employment arrangements, valid work authorisations and the principles of African solidarity and regional integration.
The Commission disclosed that 57 Nigerian professionals working in four Nigerian-origin banks operating in The Gambia could be affected by the directive.
It noted that the affected professionals reportedly possess valid residency and work permits and have made significant contributions to the country’s banking sector.
NiDCOM also highlighted the economic contributions of the four banks, stating that they collectively account for approximately 37.2 per cent of total banking industry deposits, valued at GMD35.3 billion, 32.6 per cent of loans amounting to GMD7.67 billion, and 37 per cent of industry assets valued at GMD44.78 billion.
The banks, according to the Commission, also account for approximately 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds and reportedly provide 90 per cent of the funding supporting the operations of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
Expressing concern over the potential implications of the directive, NiDCOM argued that it was contradictory to encourage African investment, regional economic cooperation and the free movement of people while implementing employment measures that could result in the indiscriminate displacement of qualified African professionals.
The Commission therefore urged the Central Bank of The Gambia to reverse the blanket replacement directive and engage the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, affected financial institutions and other relevant stakeholders to achieve an equitable resolution.
NiDCOM further called on the Gambian authorities to uphold the spirit of ECOWAS integration and the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia.
It stressed the need for constructive diplomatic engagement to resolve the matter in a manner that protects the interests of affected Nigerian professionals while respecting the legitimate employment policies of the host country.
