NiDCOM Protests Gambia’s Plan to Replace 57 Nigerian Bankers

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has raised the alarm over a Gambian directive to replace 57 Nigerian banking professionals with local employees by December 31, 2026, warning that the move could affect Nigerian workers and banking operations in the country.

The Commission said the affected Nigerians work in four Nigerian-origin banks in The Gambia and reportedly hold valid residency and work permits.

NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the directive as deeply worrisome, urging the Gambian authorities to reconsider the policy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Commission said the directive was reportedly issued by the Central Bank of The Gambia on September 16, requiring banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals before the end of the year.

While acknowledging The Gambia’s right to promote local employment and develop its workforce, Dabiri-Erewa said such policies should respect existing employment arrangements, legitimate work authorisations and the principles of African solidarity and regional integration.

NiDCOM also highlighted the economic significance of the four Nigerian-origin banks potentially affected by the directive.

According to the Commission, the banks collectively account for about 37.2 per cent of total banking industry deposits, valued at 35.3 billion Gambian dalasis, and 32.6 per cent of loans worth 7.67 billion dalasis.

They also account for 37 per cent of banking industry assets, valued at 44.78 billion dalasis, and approximately 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds.

The Commission further claimed that the banks provide 90 per cent of the funding supporting the operations of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

NiDCOM described the directive as contradictory to efforts to promote African investment, regional economic cooperation and the free movement of people, warning that it could lead to the displacement of qualified African professionals.

It called on the Central Bank of The Gambia to immediately reconsider and reverse the blanket replacement directive.

The Commission also urged Gambian authorities to engage the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, affected financial institutions and other stakeholders to reach an equitable resolution.

NiDCOM further called for respect for the principles of ECOWAS integration and the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and The Gambia, advocating constructive diplomatic engagement to resolve the dispute.