The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed concern over a directive by the Central Bank of The Gambia compelling commercial banks to replace non-Gambian employees with local workers, a move that could affect 57 Nigerians.
The commission said the directive, issued on September 16, requires banks operating in the country to ensure that all foreign employees are replaced by Gambians by December 31, 2026.
NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the development as worrisome, arguing that it could undermine the employment rights of Nigerian professionals working legally in the country.
In a statement issued by the commission's spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the affected Nigerians were said to be employees of four Nigerian-owned banks operating in The Gambia.
The commission stressed that the workers have valid residency and work permits, raising concerns about the implications of the directive for existing employment arrangements and regional integration.
Providing details of the banks' contributions to the Gambian economy, NiDCOM said the four institutions collectively control 37.2 per cent of total deposits in the country's banking sector, estimated at GMD35.3 billion.
They also account for 32.6 per cent of industry loans, valued at GMD7.67 billion, and 37 per cent of total banking assets worth GMD44.78 billion.
According to the commission, the banks further represent 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds and provide 90 per cent of the funding for the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged The Gambia's right to formulate policies that prioritise employment for its citizens but insisted that such measures should take into consideration existing contracts, valid work permits and ECOWAS agreements on the free movement of people.
She questioned the rationale behind encouraging cross-border African investments while introducing measures that could force qualified professionals from other African countries out of employment.
“It is contradictory to encourage African investment and regional cooperation while displacing qualified African professionals,” she said.
NiDCOM appealed to the Gambian monetary authorities to reconsider the directive, particularly its blanket application to foreign workers, and seek dialogue with the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul and other concerned stakeholders.
The commission said an amicable resolution would help protect the interests of affected Nigerian workers while sustaining the economic and diplomatic relationship between both countries.
It also urged The Gambia to remain committed to the principles of ECOWAS integration, noting that regional cooperation and the free movement of African professionals should be respected in the implementation of national employment policies.
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