The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has referred to as on the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) to reverse its directive requiring international banks to replace non-Gambian staff with certified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.
NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in an announcement on Tuesday, described the directive, reportedly issued on September 16, as deeply worrisome.
The assertion, which was signed by NiDCOM’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, acknowledged Gambia’s proper to promote native employment and construct its workforce, however stated such insurance policies should be utilized pretty and with respect for present employment preparations, professional work authorisations and the ideas of African solidarity and regional integration.
The fee stated info obtainable to it indicated that 57 Nigerian professionals working in 4 Nigerian-origin banks in The Gambia may very well be affected.
No fewer than 57 Nigerians working in Nigerian-owned banks are vulnerable to dropping their jobs if the directive is enforced.
They reportedly maintain legitimate residency and work permits and have contributed considerably to the Gambian banking sector.
According to NiDCOM, the 4 banks collectively account for about 37.2 per cent of whole banking trade deposits (GMD35.3 billion), 32.6 per cent of loans (GMD7.67 billion) and 37 per cent of trade property (GMD44.78 billion).
They additionally maintain roughly 34.5 per cent of investments in Central Bank bonds and reportedly supplied 90 per cent of the funding that helps the operations of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).
NiDCOM stated it was contradictory to encourage African funding, regional financial cooperation and free motion of individuals whereas adopting measures that might lead to the indiscriminate displacement of certified African professionals.
It urged the CBG to instantly rethink and reverse the blanket substitute directive, and to interact the Nigerian High Commission in Banjul, the affected monetary establishments and different stakeholders to attain an equitable decision.
The fee additionally referred to as on Gambian authorities to uphold the spirit of ECOWAS integration and the long-standing cordial relations between (*57*) and The Gambia, and appealed for constructive diplomatic engagement.
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