Former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have taken legal action against the apex bank over what they describe as an unjust mass layoff.
The case was brought before the National Industrial Court in Abuja, with the claimants alleging that the termination process violated their constitutional and contractual rights.
The plaintiffs filed their case on July 4, 2024, challenging the fairness of their dismissals, arguing that the process ignored internal policies, Nigerian labor laws, and provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
The claimants—Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, Stephen Ambore, Edom Obi, Dabo Chundung, Ekpe-Oko Roupa, Alabi Mubarak, Isa Yusuf, Quadru Ralph, Olasupo Adedokun, Dauda Yusuf, Ogidi Tolu, Levi David, Umar Kurba, Christopher Alfred, Gana Nma, Tanko Joel, Iyare Christian, Paul Iza, Alzebeokhai Esiemokhai, Pius Odunze, Isiuwe Uwadiahu, Vivienne Usoro, Imoh Francis, Ofili Lydia, Onunkwor Christopher, Adeshina Nurudeen, Bukar Ahmed, and Ajayi Omosolape—are all represented by Okwudili Abanum in a class action lawsuit.
They argue that the termination process, carried out through letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution. The claimants further argue that the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.
They also contend that the termination letters, issued on the grounds of restructuring, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
In light of this, the claimants seek an order declaring their dismissal null and void.
The group alleges that they were not given adequate consultation or a fair hearing before their jobs were terminated. They cite Article 16.4.1 of the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, which mandates consultation with the joint consultative council before any significant employment decisions are made. They claim that this requirement was blatantly ignored.
In their lawsuit, the former staff are seeking N30 billion in general damages for emotional and reputational harm. Additionally, they request N500 million to cover legal expenses, a restraining order against further dismissals without due process, and immediate reinstatement with full salaries and benefits.
During the first hearing on November 20, 2024, Justice O. A. Osaghae encouraged both parties to explore an amicable resolution, noting, “Parties should attempt an amicable settlement of this dispute.”
However, the CBN’s defense team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Inam Wilson, filed a preliminary objection to the claims, leading the court to adjourn the matter to January 29, 2025.
While the CBN attributed the layoffs to restructuring efforts, the claimants argue that the process violated the CBN Act, which requires board approval for such actions. Some ex-employees report receiving severance payments as low as N5,000, while others claim their gratuities were deducted to clear outstanding loans.
