The Central Bank of The Gambia has issued a directive requiring banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified local workers by the end of 2026. This policy threatens the employment of 57 Nigerian professionals currently working in the country. The move has raised concerns in Nigeria, where the affected individuals are primarily from the financial sector.
The directive, reportedly issued by the Gambian central bank, mandates that foreign bank staff be replaced with local Gambian workers. This policy applies to all banks operating in the country. The affected Nigerian workers are mostly based in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia. The policy is part of broader efforts to promote local employment and reduce foreign influence in key sectors.
The Gambian government has long sought to increase local participation in the financial sector. This policy follows previous measures aimed at reducing the number of foreign workers in government and private institutions. The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the potential impact on its citizens, particularly those working in the financial sector. The situation highlights the growing tensions between The Gambia and Nigeria over labor policies and economic cooperation.
