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.

Nigeria's ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, says Nigerians with vocational and technical skills can find work in Germany even without a university degree.

What he said

Speaking in a television interview on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Enang reportedly urged Nigerians to look at opportunities in jobs such as driving, hospitality, woodwork, welding and construction. He said many people overlook these options because they assume employers in Europe only want graduates. He said one concern since he took office was the small number of Nigerians he found working in Germany, although some hold senior positions.

The challenges

Enang said getting a visa is one of the main hurdles, and advised people to learn German and obtain the qualifications needed for their chosen trade. He said he was learning German himself to better understand the country's institutions, and praised Germans for the importance they attach to their language.

Background

Germany faces shortages of skilled workers in many sectors and has opened new routes for foreign workers in recent years, including for people with vocational training. Many young Nigerians are looking for opportunities abroad because of unemployment and high living costs at home. The government has also opened applications for its free vocational training programme, which offers courses in trades such as solar installation and plumbing.

Why it matters

Experts say skilled trades are increasingly in demand in Europe, and that proper certification and language skills can open doors for Nigerians who do not have degrees.

Petrol marketers have started selling below the Dangote refinery's new ₦1,300 per litre gantry price, raising hopes that fuel could become a little cheaper for Nigerians.

The new prices

Price checks in Lagos and Port Harcourt on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, reportedly showed several depots selling petrol up to ₦17 per litre below the refinery's official rate. A depot in Port Harcourt listed the lowest price at ₦1,283 per litre. The Dangote refinery recently raised its gantry price to a fixed ₦1,300 per litre, saying it wanted to bring more stability to petrol pricing.

What it means for motorists

Depot prices are what marketers pay before transporting fuel to filling stations, so lower depot prices do not immediately mean cheaper fuel at the pump. Transport costs and stock bought at higher prices may delay any reduction for consumers, but analysts say competition between depots could gradually push pump prices down.

Background

Since the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023, prices have been set by the market, and the Dangote refinery has become the biggest player in local supply. Its pricing decisions now strongly influence what other marketers charge. Days ago it had cut its gantry price to ₦1,210, before moving to the new fixed rate of ₦1,300, and depot owners have responded with their own changes. Petrol prices remain far higher than before the subsidy was removed, adding to the cost of transport and food. Meanwhile, cooking gas prices rose by up to 16 per cent at Lagos depots in recent days.

What happens next

Marketers say prices will depend on supply, exchange rates and global oil prices, which rose slightly this week after US strikes on Iran.

Nigeria's exports have grown by more than 25 per cent over the past two years, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which credits government reforms and new export facilities.

What was said

NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho made the disclosure at the annual World Ports Conference in London, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours, according to reports on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. He said the growth was driven by higher exports of agricultural products such as cocoa and cashew nuts, as well as manufactured goods. He also said revenue generated by Nigerian ports had increased four times, reflecting higher cargo volumes and improved efficiency.

New facilities

Dantsoho said four Export Processing Terminals would reduce delays for exporters, and that the government plans a $1 billion upgrade of Apapa port in Lagos, along with new digital systems to make Nigerian ports more competitive.

Background

Nigeria has long depended on crude oil for most of its export earnings, and successive governments have tried to grow non-oil exports. The weaker naira since 2023 has made Nigerian goods cheaper abroad, which has helped some exporters, though it has also raised the cost of imported inputs. Exporters have complained in the past about congestion, delays and high costs at the ports, especially in Lagos.

Why it matters

Higher exports bring in more foreign currency, which can support the naira. The currency gained slightly on Tuesday after losing ground in October.