Gambia Central Bank’s Planned Layoffs to Affect 57 Nigerians — NiDCOM Kicks Against Move

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on the Central Bank of The Gambia to reverse a directive that could result in the dismissal of 57 Nigerian professionals working in the country’s banking sector.

The directive reportedly requires banks operating in The Gambia to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.

NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the development as concerning, noting that the affected Nigerians reportedly possess valid residency and work permits and have contributed to the country’s financial sector.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the commission acknowledged The Gambia’s right to promote local employment and strengthen its workforce. However, it urged the authorities to ensure that the policy respects existing employment arrangements and legitimate work authorisations.

NiDCOM said the directive could affect 57 Nigerians employed by four Nigerian-origin banks operating in The Gambia.

The commission highlighted the economic contributions of the institutions, stating that they collectively account for 37.2 per cent of total banking deposits, valued at 35.3 billion Gambian dalasis.

It added that the banks account for 32.6 per cent of the sector’s loans, worth 7.67 billion dalasis, and 37 per cent of total banking assets, valued at 44.78 billion dalasis.

According to the commission, the institutions also account for approximately 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds and provide a significant share of funding supporting the operations of the National Water and Electricity Company.

Dabiri-Erewa warned that displacing skilled African professionals could undermine regional economic cooperation, cross-border investment and the principles of African integration.

NiDCOM urged the Gambian central bank to reconsider the directive and engage the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, affected financial institutions and other stakeholders to reach an acceptable resolution.

The commission also called on both countries to sustain their diplomatic relations and uphold the principles of cooperation and free movement within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).