CBN Faces Lawsuit from Ex-Staff Over Mass Dismissal

Kehinde Fajobi

Disengaged staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have filed a lawsuit at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, challenging their termination during a mass redundancy in 2024.

The plaintiffs, 33 former employees represented by Okwudili Abanum, filed the suit on July 4, 2024, citing violations of internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their constitutional rights.

They allege that their dismissals were arbitrary, unconstitutional, and breached the bank’s human resources policies and procedures manual (HRPPM).

According to court filings, the termination letters, issued under the guise of “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” on April 5, 2024, failed to adhere to HRPPM Article 16.4.1.

The provision mandates consultation with the joint consultative council and fair hearing before adverse employment actions.

The claimants contend that they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.

They further argue that their severance packages were either meagre or absorbed to offset outstanding loans, causing undue hardship and reputational harm.

In their demands, the former staff seek:

A declaration voiding their dismissal.

An injunction preventing improper termination in the future.

Immediate reinstatement with full salaries