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Gambia Orders Nigerian Banks To Replace Foreign Staff by December 2026

Each bank is expected to identify suitably qualified Gambian nationals who can fill affected roles as the transition progresses.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 22, 2026

OCHEFA

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The Central Bank of The Gambia has ordered commercial banks, including Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), FirstBank, Zenith Bank and Ecobank, to replace non-Gambian employees with suitably qualified Gambian nationals by December 31, 2026.

The directive came in a circular dated September 16 and signed by CBG Second Deputy Governor Dr Paul J. Mendy.

The order followed a meeting between the central bank and managing directors of commercial banks on August 27, as well as an industry-wide review of how banks employ foreign personnel.

The CBG said the review uncovered a “relatively high number” of non-Gambians working in banks beyond those covered by recognised expatriate arrangements.

The regulator said the situation violates The Gambia’s Labour Act 2023 and is inconsistent with Guideline 9, which governs how banks employ expatriate staff.

It directed all banks to adopt a phased approach to replacing existing non-Gambian staff with qualified Gambian nationals.

The CBG said: “Consequently, all banks are required to adopt a phased approach to replacing existing non-Gambian staff with suitably qualified Gambian nationals, with appropriate arrangements for skills transfer and continuity of operations.

“Banks must also ensure that as positions are localised, the transition does not cause the loss of critical institutional knowledge or disrupt day-to-day banking services.

Each bank is expected to identify suitably qualified Gambian nationals who can fill affected roles as the transition progresses.

Credit: Abokiforex.com

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