Gambia's banking directive threatens 57 Nigerian jobs

A new directive from the Central Bank of The Gambia mandates that commercial banks replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026. This policy, disclosed by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), could affect 57 Nigerian professionals working in four Nigerian-origin banks: Access Bank (NGX: ACCESSCORP), FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank (NGX: GTCO), and Zenith Bank (NGX: ZENITHBANK).

The directive, outlined in a circular dated September 16, 2026, follows a meeting with bank managing directors on August 27, 2026, and aims to address the high number of non-Gambian employees in the banking sector. NiDCOM has expressed concern over the potential impact on Nigerian workers and emphasized the need for the policy to protect existing employment arrangements.

The Central Bank of The Gambia's directive requires banks to implement a phased replacement while ensuring skills transfer and compliance with labor laws.