The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed concern over a directive by the Central Bank of The Gambia, ordering commercial banks to replace foreign employees with Gambian nationals. This move could potentially render 57 Nigerian professionals jobless. NiDCOM's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer described the directive as troubling, particularly given its impact on Nigerian professionals legally employed in The Gambia.
According to NiDCOM's spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Central Bank of The Gambia issued the directive on September 16, instructing banks to replace non-Gambian employees with local workers by December 31, 2026. The commission disclosed that the 57 Nigerians working in four Nigerian-owned banks in The Gambia possess valid residency and work permits. These banks significantly contribute to The Gambia's economy.
The four Nigerian-owned banks collectively control 37.2 per cent of The Gambia's total deposits, valued at GMD35.3 billion. They also account for 32.6 per cent of total bank loans, amounting to GMD7.67 billion, and 37 per cent of the banking industry's assets, valued at GMD44.78 billion. Additionally, they contribute 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).
NiDCOM's Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, argued that The Gambia's efforts to prioritize employment opportunities for its citizens should not disregard existing employment agreements and valid work permits. She emphasized that regional commitments under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should be respected. Dabiri-Erewa described the directive as contradictory to promoting African investment and regional economic cooperation.
The commission called on the Gambian central bank to reconsider and withdraw the blanket directive. NiDCOM urged the central bank to engage in discussions with the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul and other relevant stakeholders to find a mutually acceptable solution. This approach aims to protect the interests of Nigerian workers while strengthening regional cooperation.
NiDCOM appealed to the Gambian authorities to respect the principles of ECOWAS integration and preserve the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and The Gambia. The commission emphasized that creating an enabling environment for African businesses and professionals to operate across national borders is crucial. This would promote economic growth and cooperation among African countries.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers in The Gambia. The commission's efforts aim to ensure that the rights of Nigerian professionals are respected and that they are not unfairly displaced. The outcome of the commission's engagement with the Gambian authorities remains to be seen.
Key points
- NiDCOM protests Gambian directive to sack 57 Nigerian bank workers.
- The directive could render 57 Nigerian professionals jobless.
- NiDCOM urges Gambian central bank to reconsider and withdraw the directive.
