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Former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria, affected by last year’s sweeping mass termination, have initiated legal proceedings against the apex bank. The disengaged staff filed their case at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja, seeking redress and challenging the circumstances of their dismissal. This legal battle highlights the growing discontent among those impacted by the layoffs.
As per an originating summons filed on July 4, 2024, under the provisions of the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, and reviewed by our correspondent on Monday, the 33 claimants presented several contentious issues for the court’s intervention. Their filing underscores the scope of their grievances and their demand for legal resolution.
Central to their legal submission, the former staff members requested the court to ascertain whether their constitutional right to a fair hearing was breached at any point before or after the termination of their employment. This question remains pivotal in their case.
They contended that the Central Bank of Nigeria had failed to adhere to its internal policies, blatantly disregarded Nigerian labor laws, and infringed on the contractual rights outlined in their terms of employment, further substantiating their grievances.
The claimants include Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, and others. Represented by Okwudili Abanum in a class action lawsuit, they argued that the termination process, carried out through letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, contravened the CBN’s human resources policies and procedures manual as well as Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
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The claimants further asserted that the termination process lacked the mandatory consultation and fair hearing required by law. They described the termination letters, issued under the guise of restructuring, as arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
On these grounds, the former staff members sought an order declaring their dismissal null and void. They also requested a restraining order to prevent the CBN from terminating their employment without adhering to proper procedures.
Additionally, the claimants demanded an immediate reinstatement of their positions, with payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
They cited Article 16.4.1 of the Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM), which mandates consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before taking employment actions that adversely affect staff.
According to the claimants, the CBN flagrantly disregarded this provision, giving them only three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.
The group is also seeking N30bn in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal, as well as an additional N500m to cover the cost of the suit.
During the first mention of the case on November 20, 2024, the presiding judge, Justice O. A. Osaghae, urged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution.
“This is a new matter, mentioned for the first time. I have reviewed the processes and believe that the parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Consequently, parties are encouraged, pursuant to Section 20 of the NICA 2006, to seek amicable settlement,” Justice Osaghae said.
The CBN, represented by a legal team led by Inam Wilson (SAN), informed the court of a preliminary objection to the claimants’ suit filed on November 4, 2024.
The CBN’s counsel also noted that they had recently been served with the claimants’ response to the objection. Following submissions by the defendant’s counsel, Justice Osaghae adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for a hearing on the preliminary objection.
It should be recalled that in 2024, the apex bank terminated the appointments of approximately 1,000 staff in four batches between March and May. Some affected staff claimed they received severance payments as low as N5,000, while others said their gratuities were entirely absorbed to offset outstanding loans.
Although the layoff was officially attributed to “reorganisation and human capital restructuring,” the affected staff argued that the process violated the CBN Act, which requires board approval for significant employment decisions.
