Nigerians in Gambia Face Job Losses Due to Central Bank Directive

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed concern over a recent decision by the Central Bank of The Gambia. This decision requires banks in the country to lay off non-Gambian workers, which could affect 57 Nigerian professionals.

NiDCOM’s chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the directive, issued on September 16, as alarming. The Central Bank has given banks until December 31, 2026, to replace all non-Gambian staff with Gambians.

The affected Nigerians work for four Nigerian-owned banks in The Gambia and hold valid residency and work permits. These banks play a significant role in the Gambian economy, controlling a large portion of the country’s deposits, loans, and industry assets.

Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged The Gambia’s right to promote local employment but emphasized that such policies should respect existing contracts and work permits. She pointed out that it is contradictory to support African investment and cooperation while displacing skilled professionals.

NiDCOM has called on the Central Bank to reconsider this directive and to work with the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul and other stakeholders to find a solution. The Commission also urged Gambian authorities to maintain the spirit of regional integration and the friendly relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.