Gambia central bank orders banks to sack non-Gambian staff by year-end
On 19 September, the Central Bank of The Gambia instructed all commercial banks to dismiss non-Gambian employees who are not on approved expatriate quotas and replace them with qualified Gambians by 31 December. The directive, signed by Second Deputy Governor Ousman Mendy, targets Nigerian-owned banks such as First Bank, Zenith, Access, Eco and Guaranty Trust Bank operating in the country.
Why it matters: The order affects thousands of expatriate workers, many of whom are Nigerians employed in Gambian banks, putting their jobs and remittance flows at risk. It also signals a broader push for localisation that could increase operating costs for Nigerian banks as they recruit and train local staff, potentially affecting profitability and service quality.
Context and compliance: The CBG cited an industry study showing a high proportion of foreigners in the sector, saying this violates The Gambia’s Labour Act 2023 and Guideline 9 on expatriate staff. Banks must submit succession plans, transfer skills and keep operations smooth during the transition; failure to comply may attract regulatory sanctions.
What you should know: If you work for a Nigerian bank in The Gambia, verify whether your role falls under an approved expatriate quota; monitor internal communications for redeployment or severance details. For customers, expect possible service adjustments as banks restructure staff. The deadline is 31 December 2026, with registration of succession plans due soon after.