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.

Three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna State have died in a road accident while on party duty, according to reports on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

Who died

The victims were identified as Caleb Ishaya Alot, the PDP secretary for Jema'a LGA; Mercy Achi, the party's zonal women leader for its Wise Women group in Jema'a; and Charity Bahago, a member of the same group. The crash happened on the Kaduna–Kafanchan road. Details of how the accident happened have not been released.

Condolences

Isa Mohammed Ashiru, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Kaduna State, was among the first to react. He said he received the news with profound shock and sadness and sent his condolences to the PDP leadership at state, zonal and local levels, as well as to the families of the victims.

Background

Road accidents are a leading cause of death in Nigeria, and campaign periods often see a rise in travel by party officials and supporters on busy highways. Earlier this week, a local government chairman in Bauchi State died in a road crash while returning from a party meeting.

What happens next

The PDP is expected to announce burial arrangements in consultation with the families.

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.