Sacked Central Bank Staff Take Legal Battle to Court
Disengaged staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have filed a lawsuit against the apex bank at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, alleging unfair dismissal following a mass termination in 2024.
In a class action initiated on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules, 33 former employees claim the CBN violated their constitutional right to a fair hearing, breached internal policies, and disregarded Nigerian labour laws in executing the terminations.
The employees, including Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, and Eleanor Ihua, allege that the dismissal letters issued on April 5, 2024, under the pretext of “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring,” contravened the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM) and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The claimants, represented by lawyer Okwudili Abanum, argue the termination process lacked mandatory consultations with the Joint Consultative Council and failed to provide fair hearing or adequate notice. They allege they were given only three days to vacate their roles and return official property.
The plaintiffs are seeking several remedies, including:
A declaration that their dismissals were unlawful and void.
Reinstatement of their positions with full salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress and reputational harm.
An additional N500 million to cover the cost of the lawsuit.
The case also highlights discrepancies in severance payments. Some staff claim to have received as little as ₦5,000, while others allege their gratuities were used to offset outstanding loans.
During the initial hearing on November 20, 2024, Justice O. A. Osaghae encouraged both parties to explore an amicable settlement, citing Section 20 of the NICA 2006. However, the CBN, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Inam Wilson, has filed a preliminary objection to the suit, which is scheduled for hearing on January 29, 2025.
The mass termination, executed in four batches between March and May 2024, affected approximately 1,000 employees. While the CBN claimed the exercise was part of a voluntary reorganisation process, affected staff insist the terminations violated the CBN Act, which mandates board approval for significant employment actions.
In a statement on December 4, 2024, the CBN defended its actions, asserting that the early exit package offered to staff was entirely voluntary and carried no adverse implications.
The case underscores growing tensions in Nigeria’s banking sector, where structural reforms and economic challenges have placed increasing strain on employees, raising critical questions about labour practices in the country’s financial institutions.
