The Gambia: 57 Nigerian employees face dismissal
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Fifty-seven Nigerian professionals employed by four Nigerian-owned banks in The Gambia risk losing their jobs after a directive from The Gambia’s central bank. It requires foreign employees not covered by approved quotas to be replaced by 31 December 2026, Punch reports.
Fifty-seven Nigerian professionals employed by four Nigerian-owned banks in The Gambia could lose their jobs by 31 December 2026, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). She was responding on Tuesday to a directive from the Central Bank of The Gambia asking institutions to replace certain foreign employees with qualified Gambian nationals.
The circular, issued on 16 September, targets foreign employees who are not covered by approved expatriate quotas. It concerns Access Bank, FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank in particular. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the 57 employees concerned held valid residence and work permits and contributed to The Gambia’s banking sector.
The four banks account for about 37.2% of sector deposits, or 35.3 billion dalasis, as well as 32.6% of loans, valued at 7.67 billion dalasis. They also hold nearly 37% of banking assets, worth 44.78 billion dalasis, and reportedly provide 90% of the financing for the activities of the National Water and Electricity Company, The Gambia’s water and electricity operator.
The NiDCOM chair recognises The Gambia’s right to promote local employment, but is calling for the measure to be implemented with respect for existing contracts and work authorisations. The request follows the Central Bank of The Gambia’s demand to replace foreign employees, published on 25 September 2026.
