57 Nigerians at risk as Gambia orders banks to replace foreign staff
The federal government has raised concern over a directive by The Gambia's central bank ordering commercial banks to replace foreign employees with Gambian nationals, a move that could cost dozens of Nigerians their jobs.
The directive
According to reports, the Central Bank of The Gambia issued a circular dated 16 September 2026 giving banks until 31 December 2026 to replace non-Gambian staff with qualified Gambians.
Nigeria's concern
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) said 57 Nigerian professionals working in four Nigerian-owned banks in The Gambia could be affected. It urged the Gambian authorities to reconsider the directive and to engage with the banks and other stakeholders to reach a fair solution.
Background
Nigerian banks have expanded across West Africa over the past two decades, with several operating subsidiaries in The Gambia. Both countries are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), whose protocols promote the free movement of people and the right to work across member states. Many West African countries, however, have rules encouraging the employment of their own citizens in key sectors.
Why it matters
The move comes as several countries tighten rules on foreign workers. Nigerians abroad have recently faced stricter immigration policies in the UK, Portugal and elsewhere.
What happens next
It is not yet clear whether The Gambia will change or delay the policy.
- The deadline for banks is 31 December 2026.
- 57 Nigerians in four Nigerian-owned banks could be affected.
- NiDCOM urged The Gambia to reconsider.
