Gambia’s new banking rule could force ’57 Nigerians out of their jobs
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Verified Synthesis~62s readNigerian-origin lenders potentially affected include Access Bank, FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank. A new banking employment directive in The Gambia could put the jobs of 57 Nigerian professionals reportedly working in the country’s banking industry at risk, following an order requiring commercial banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.
Context & Background
- ✦According to a list of licensed banks published on the Central Bank of The Gambia’s website, some of the institutions and their managing directors include: Access Bank (Gambia) Ltd, headed by Stephen Ahwahyi Abban, a Ghanaian.
Key Figures & Named Entities
2026:A new banking employment directive in The Gambia could put the jobs of 57 Nigerian professionals reportedly working in the country’s banking industry at risk, following an order requiring commercial banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.2026:The policy, contained in a circular dated September 16, 2026, requires banks to implement a phased replacement of affected foreign employees while making arrangements for skills transfer and continuity of operations.5%:Senate rejects Nigeria Air revival, Akpabio calls for fresh national carrier pushNNPC considers 5% to 10% stake sale in planned IPOPAU’s Pearl Hostel records 28.36% yield, highest among UPDC REIT’s five properties “Information available indicates that 57 Nigerian professionals employed by four Nigerian-origin banks operating in Gambia which could be affected by the directive.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract- Nigerian-origin lenders potentially affected include Access Bank, FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank.
- A new banking employment directive in The Gambia could put the jobs of 57 Nigerian professionals reportedly working in the country’s banking industry at risk, following an order requiring commercial banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.
- According to a list of licensed banks published on the Central Bank of The Gambia’s website, some of the institutions and their managing directors include: Access Bank (Gambia) Ltd, headed by Stephen Ahwahyi Abban, a Ghanaian.
Key Facts:2026: A new banking employment directive in The Gambia could put the jobs of 57 Nigerian professionals reportedly working in the country’s banking industry at risk, following an order requiring commercial banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.2026: The policy, contained in a circular dated September 16, 2026, requires banks to implement a phased replacement of affected foreign employees while making arrangements for skills transfer and continuity of operations.5%: Senate rejects Nigeria Air revival, Akpabio calls for fresh national carrier pushNNPC considers 5% to 10% stake sale in planned IPOPAU’s Pearl Hostel records 28.36% yield, highest among UPDC REIT’s five properties “Information available indicates that 57 Nigerian professionals employed by four Nigerian-origin banks operating in Gambia which could be affected by the directive.2026: In a statement, Dabiri-Erewa said: “While NiDCOM recognises Gambia’s right to promote local employment and develop its workforce, such policies must be implemented fairly and in a manner that respects existing employment arrangements, legitimate work authorisations and the principles of African solidarity and regional integration.” Why Gambia wants foreign staff replaced The Central Bank of The Gambia said the directive followed a meeting with managing directors of banks operating in the country on August 27, 2026.
Editorial Excerpt
The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) has directed commercial banks operating in the country to replace existing non-Gambian employees with suitably qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the latest development regarding United Bank for Africa?
Nigerian-origin lenders potentially affected include Access Bank, FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank.
Who are the key organizations or public figures mentioned?
The primary parties identified in this coverage include United Bank for Africa, National Assembly of Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
A new banking employment directive in The Gambia could put the jobs of 57 Nigerian professionals reportedly working in the country’s banking industry at risk, following an order requiring commercial banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.
