Former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have taken the apex bank to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), challenging the legality of their mass dismissals last year.
In a lawsuit filed on July 4, 2024, 33 claimants argue that their constitutional rights were violated, with the CBN failing to follow necessary procedures in terminating their appointments.
The claimants, including Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, and others, assert that their dismissals, which were described as “reorganisation and human capital restructuring” in termination letters dated April 5, 2024, contravened CBN’s internal policies and Nigerian labour laws.
They contend that the bank violated their right to a fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution and bypassed essential consultation requirements stipulated in the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual.
Represented by Okwudili Abanum, the former employees seek several remedies, including the annulment of their dismissals, immediate reinstatement to their positions, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of their termination.
Additionally, they are seeking N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm, as well as N500 million for the cost of the suit.
The plaintiffs argue that they were given just three days to vacate their positions, an action they deem arbitrary and illegal.
They cite Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which requires prior consultation with the Joint Consultative Council before any employment action that negatively impacts staff.
In the first mention of the case on November 20, 2024, Justice O. A. Osaghae urged both parties to pursue an amicable settlement, in accordance with Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act 2006.
The CBN, represented by a legal team led by Inam Wilson (SAN), filed a preliminary objection to the suit on November 4, 2024.
Following this, Justice Osaghae adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for a hearing on the objection.
