The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)
has raised concerns over a directive by the Central Bank of The Gambia that could affect the jobs of 57 Nigerian professionals working in the country’s banking sector.
NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the affected workers are employed by four Nigerian-origin banks and could lose their positions following an order to replace foreign employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.
The directive, issued on September 16, requires commercial banks operating in The Gambia to replace non-Gambian employees who are not covered by approved expatriate quotas. NiDCOM said the affected Nigerians reportedly possess valid residency and work permits.
The commission acknowledged The Gambia’s right to promote local employment but argued that the policy should respect existing employment arrangements and legitimate work authorisations.
It also noted that the four banks collectively account for 37.2 per cent of banking industry deposits, 32.6 per cent of loans and 37 per cent of total banking assets in the country.
NiDCOM has called on the Gambian central bank to reconsider the directive and engage the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, affected banks and other stakeholders to find an acceptable resolution.
It also urged both countries to uphold ECOWAS principles and strengthen regional cooperation.
