A group of former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who were laid off in a mass termination last year, has taken legal action against the apex bank at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja. The claimants, 33 in total, filed an originating summons on July 4, 2024, raising several key issues for the court to address regarding their termination process.
The claimants, including Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, and others, allege that their constitutional right to a fair hearing was violated during and after the termination of their appointments. They are also claiming that the CBN breached internal policies, Nigerian labor laws, and their contractual rights.
Represented by Okwudili Abanum, the claimants argue that the termination, which was carried out through letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring†dated April 5, 2024, violated the CBN’s human resources policies and procedures manual. The claimants further assert that the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing required by law, describing the termination as arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
Legal Grounds for the Claim
The claimants are seeking an order declaring their dismissal null and void. They are also requesting a restraining order to prevent the CBN from terminating their employment without adhering to proper procedures. Additionally, they demand the immediate reinstatement of their positions, along with the payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.
The claimants cited Article 16.4.1 of the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, which mandates consultation with the Joint Consultative Council before taking any employment actions that adversely affect staff. According to the claimants, this provision was blatantly ignored, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.
In addition to reinstatement, the claimants are seeking N30bn in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal. They also seek an additional N500m to cover the cost of the suit.
Court Proceedings
During the first mention of the case on November 20, 2024, Justice O.A. Osaghae encouraged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution. “This is a new matter, mentioned for the first time. I have reviewed the processes and believe that the parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Consequently, parties are encouraged, pursuant to Section 20 of the NICA 2006, to seek an amicable settlement,†Justice Osaghae stated.
The CBN, represented by a legal team led by Inam Wilson (SAN), filed a preliminary objection to the claimants’ suit on November 4, 2024, and informed the court of having recently received the claimants’ response to the objection.
Following submissions by the defendant’s counsel, Justice Osaghae adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for a hearing on the preliminary objection.
Background on the Termination
The mass termination of approximately 1,000 CBN staff took place in four batches between March and May 2024. Some of the affected staff members reported receiving severance payments as low as N5,000, while others claimed their gratuities were absorbed to offset outstanding loans. The layoff was officially attributed to “reorganisation and human capital restructuring,†but the affected staff argue that the process violated the CBN Act, which requires board approval for significant employment decisions.
On December 4, 2024, the CBN stated that its early exit package was entirely voluntary and came without negative repercussions for eligible staff.
