A group of 33 ex-employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are embroiled in a legal dispute with their former employer, claiming wrongful termination during a large-scale dismissal exercise earlier in 2024.
EKO Hot Blog reports that the ex-staffs are being represented by Stephen Gana and others, the former staff have filed a class-action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, asserting that the apex bank disregarded internal policies, labour laws, and contractual rights during the process.
The employees in question, who were dismissed via letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, contend that the termination process violated Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM).
According to their claims, the process failed to adhere to the legal requirements of consultation and fair hearing.
Central to their case is Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which requires consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions affecting staff.
The ex-employees argue that the CBN disregarded this provision, stating that they were given a mere three days to vacate their positions and return official property.
Olayemi Cardoso, CBN Governor
The Key Demands Of The Terminated Employees
In their originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, the claimants have outlined the following demands:
1. A declaration that their terminations were unlawful and unconstitutional.
2. Immediate reinstatement to their previous positions.
3. Payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
4. A restraining order preventing further dismissals without due process.
5. ₦30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm.
6. An additional ₦500 million as the cost of the suit.
The claimants argue that their employment contracts carried “statutory flavour,” imposing stricter dismissal conditions aligned with public service rules and governing statutes.
The CBN, represented by its legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Inam Wilson, has challenged the suit’s admissibility in a preliminary objection filed on November 4, 2024.
During a court session on November 20, 2024, presiding Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae encouraged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution, citing Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) 2006.
“It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute,” Justice Obaseki Osaghae stated.
The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection or a progress review of settlement discussions.
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