Gambia National Records Service National Archives of The Gambia

Overview

The National Records Service (NRS) of The Gambia is the national archives and public records management authority, established by an Act of Parliament in 1993. It is responsible for managing all public records across their lifecycle, from creation through to ultimate destruction or permanent preservation as archives. The NRS operates under the Personnel Management Office (PMO), affiliated with the Ministry of Public Service.

History and Founding

Following independence in 1965, The Gambia inherited records management systems designed for a small colonial bureaucracy. The first systematic effort to address records came when a British Colonial Office records officer was seconded to assist in establishing a Public Records Office in Banjul. A 1986 National Archives Legislation provided limited governance for archival materials. In July 1990, a records management project was established at the PMO with UK Overseas Development Administration support. This work culminated in the National Records Service Act of 1993, which gave statutory authority to a comprehensive records management system and established three divisions: the Current Records Division, the IT Division, and the Semi-Current/Archives Division.

Collections and Holdings

The National Archives holds a rich documentary record of The Gambia's history. Holdings include national newspapers from 1936 to the present, covering titles such as the Gambia Echo, Gambia Outlook, Foroyaa, The Point, Daily Observer, and others. Court records dating from the 1820s, among the earliest colonial-era records surviving in West Africa, form another significant collection. The archive also holds government administrative records from across the three branches of state. Digitization projects have been undertaken in partnership with the British Library's Endangered Archives Programme to preserve the most fragile materials.

Access and Usage

The NRS is located at the Personnel Management Office, The Quadrangle, Banjul. Researchers may access materials at the archive. The NRS website is at nrs.gov.gm.