Thirty-three former staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who were laid off in a mass redundancy in 2024, have taken the apex bank to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja.
The claimants filed an originating summons on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, and raised several issues for the court to determine.
They also seek to be awarded N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal and an additional N500 million to cover the cost of the suit.
The former staff claim that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and contractual rights by terminating their appointment in 2024.
The 33 claimants are 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, and Umar Kurba.
Others are 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.
The ex-CBN staff are all represented by Okwudili Abanum in a class action lawsuit.
Claimants’ request from the court
The ex-CBN staff are requesting the court to decide whether they were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated.
The claimants argue that the termination process carried out through letters titled, ‘Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring,’ which was dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
They stated that the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.
The ex-CBN staff contend that the termination letters, which were issued on the grounds of restructuring, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional and are seeking an order declaring their dismissal null and void.
The claimants are also requesting a restraining order to prevent the CBN from terminating their employment without following the proper procedures.
They are also seeking a declaration for their immediate reinstatement and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
In the suit, the claimants reference Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultation with the joint consultative council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions adversely affect staff.
They note that the provision of the Article was disregarded by the CBN, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.
When the suit was first mentioned on November 20, 2024, the Justice O. A. Osaghae urged the parties involved to attempt an amicable resolution of the matter, under section 20 of the NICA 2006.
Defence team says it filed a preliminary objection to the suit
The defence team led by Inam Wilson (SAN) informed the court that they had filed a preliminary objection to the suit, which was served to the claimants on November 4, 2024.
Justice Osaghae thereafter adjourned the case to January 29, 2025 for the hearing of the preliminary objection.
CBN laid off staff in batches in 2024
In 2024, the CBN terminated the appointments of about a thousand staff in four batches between March and May, attracting the attention of the House of Representatives and various groups.
Some of the affected staff claimed they received severance payments as low as N5,000, while others said their gratuities were absorbed entirely to offset outstanding loans.
The CBN attributed the layoff to reorganisation and human capital restructuring. However, the affected staff argue that the process violated the CBN Act, which mandates board approval for significant employment decisions.
The apex bank dismissed claims of forced mass retirement saying the Early Exit Programme was voluntary and has no consequence on eligible staff.
