Gambia Central Bank’s Planned Sack Affects 57 Nigerians, NiDCOM Protests

Nigeria’s diaspora commission, NiDCOM, is protesting a September 16 directive by the Central Bank of The Gambia requiring banks to replace all non-Gambian employees by December 31, 2026. The order threatens 57 Nigerian professionals working at four Nigerian-owned banks who hold valid residence and work permits. NiDCOM says the banks hold 37.2% of deposits in The Gambia’s banking sector and provide 90% of the funding for the National Water and Electricity Company, NAWEC. Commission chief Abike Dabiri-Erewa urged the central bank to reverse the directive and consult Nigeria’s High Commission in Banjul, citing existing contracts and ECOWAS free-movement protocols.