The National Assembly has witnessed the introduction of two significant bills—the Urban Markets Bill, 2026 and the Immigration Bill, 2026—through the Office of the Clerk.
The Urban Markets Bill, introduced by the Member for Serrekunda, Hon. Musa Cham, seeks to establish a legal framework for the creation, administration, and regulation of urban markets in The Gambia. The Bill aims to promote orderly and safe market operations, improve sanitation and hygiene, strengthen the role of local government councils, and provide adequate infrastructure such as water, lighting, security, and sanitation facilities. It also encourages participatory governance by involving traders, councils, and stakeholders in market management, while supporting livelihoods through organized trading spaces.
The Immigration Bill, 2026, was introduced by the Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, as part of the government’s security sector reform agenda. The Bill seeks to repeal the Immigration Act of 1965 and replace it with legislation aligned with international best practices in modern border management. It provides the Gambia Immigration Department with a stronger legal framework to improve efficiency, accountability, and management, while also promoting gender equality within the institution.
The National Assembly has not yet set a date for the second reading of the two bills.
