A directive by the Central Bank of The Gambia requiring banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified local workers by the end of 2026 has sparked concerns in Nigeria, with 57 Nigerian professionals potentially affected.
- The Central Bank of The Gambia has ordered banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified locals by the end of 2026.
- This directive could affect 57 Nigerian professionals working in four Nigerian-origin banks in The Gambia.
- Nigeria’s NiDCOM has urged the Gambian regulator to reconsider, warning it could disrupt skilled Nigerian workers and international relations.
- The affected banks hold a significant share of the Gambian banking sector’s deposits, loans, and assets.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged the Gambian regulator to reconsider the order, warning that its implementation could displace skilled Nigerian workers and strain relations between the two West African countries.
In a statement on November 3, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the affected professionals work in four Nigerian-origin banks operating in The Gambia and reportedly hold valid residency and work permits.
All commercial banks operating in the country, including Nigerian-origin lenders such as Access Bank, FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank are affected by the new policy.
“Information available indicates that 57 Nigerian professionals employed by four Nigerian-origin banks operating in Gambia which could be affected by the directive. These professionals reportedly hold valid residency and work permits and have contributed significantly to the Gambian banking sector.” Dabiri said.
Local employment policy meets regional concerns
The Central Bank issued the directive on September 16, following a meeting with bank managing directors on August 27. It said an industry study found a relatively high number of non-Gambians employed in banks outside recognised expatriate arrangements.
The regulator said this violated provisions of The Gambia’s Labour Act 2023 and its Guideline 9 on expatriate staff. It instructed banks to adopt a phased replacement process, with skills transfer and operational continuity arrangements, to be completed by December 31, 2026.
Although the directive applies to all banks, NiDCOM says the four Nigerian-origin institutions potentially affected account for 37.2% of industry deposits, worth GMD35.3 billion, and 32.6% of loans, valued at GMD7.67 billion. They also hold 37% of the sector’s assets, according to figures cited by the commission.
Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged The Gambia’s right to promote local employment but called for the policy to respect existing employment arrangements and legitimate work authorisations. She urged the Central Bank to engage Nigeria’s High Commission in Banjul and the affected institutions to find an equitable resolution.
“It is contradictory to encourage African investment, regional economic cooperation and the free movement of people while adopting employment measures that could lead to the indiscriminate displacement of qualified African professionals.” she added
The disagreement raises questions about how local employment policies can be balanced with the movement of skilled professionals and cross-border investment within the ECOWAS region.
