Former Central Bank of Nigeria employees sue for N30 billion over unjust dismissal

In a significant legal challenge, 33 former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have taken their case to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, filing a lawsuit for N30 billion. The lawsuit was initiated on July 4, 2024, following their dismissal in a mass layoff earlier that year.

The dismissed workers, who include Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, among others, argue that their termination, which was communicated via letters titled ‘Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’ dated April 5, 2024, was not only against the CBN’s human resources policies but also contravened Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution. Their contention focuses on the lack of consultation and the absence of a fair hearing, which they assert violates both internal policies and Nigerian labor laws.

The group, represented by their lawyer Okwudili Abanum, has filed for several judicial determinations, including whether their constitutional rights to a fair hearing were overlooked. They seek court orders to:

• Declare their dismissal null and void.
• Issue a restraining order to prevent future dismissals without due process.
• Order their immediate reinstatement with back pay for salaries and benefits since their termination.

They specifically reference Article 16.4.1 of the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM), which they claim was ignored, as it requires consultation with the joint consultative council before such actions. They were only given three days to vacate their roles and return all official items, which they argue was an affront to procedural fairness.

The claimants are also seeking N30 billion in damages for the psychological, financial, and reputational impacts of their dismissal, plus an additional N500 million to cover legal costs.

During the initial court session on November 20, 2024, Justice O. A. Osaghae encouraged both parties to consider an amicable settlement, stating, “I have looked at the processes and it is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Consequential, parties are encouraged pursuant to section 20 of the NICA 2006, to attempt amicable settlement.”

However, the CBN, through its legal team led by Inam Wilson, has filed a preliminary objection to the lawsuit, with a hearing scheduled for January 29, 2025.

This legal action comes after the CBN dismissed approximately 1,000 staff members in 2024, with some receiving minimal severance or having their gratuities offset by loans. Despite the bank’s claim that the exit was voluntary, the affected staff dispute this, arguing the process lacked the necessary board approval as mandated by the CBN Act.