Aggrieved Disengaged Staff Sue CBN, Demand ₦30bn Compensation

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s staff members, who were fired from their jobs as a result of a widespread layoff last year, have dragged the organization to the Abuja National Industrial Court.

In an originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, the aggrieved staff members raised several questions for determination.

The former CBN employees are suing the court to find out whether they were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing when they claimed that the CBN had violated internal laws, Nigerian labor laws, and their contractual rights.

The claimants, 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, Umar Kurba, 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.

All 33 of them, represented by Okwudili Abanum, in a class action lawsuit, argued that the termination process, carried out through letters, titled, ‘ Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’, dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual and Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.

adding that the procedure lacked the required free consultation and hearing.

They also stated that the termination letters, issued based on restructuring, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.

The claimants also requested a ruling invalidating their dismissal.

Additionally, the claimants requested a restraining order to stop the CBN from firing them without complying with the law.

Additionally, they requested that their immediate reinstatement, as well as payment of salaries and benefits, be done without delay.

The lawsuit made reference to HRPPM Article 16.4.1, which mandates joint consultative council consultation and adherence to fair procedures before employment decisions adversely affect staff.

Given only three days to leave their positions and turn over official property, the claimants pointed out that the provision was flagrantly disregarded.

They also sought N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal, and an additional N500 million as the cost of the suit.

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The court urged the parties involved in the dispute to seek an amicable settlement in another document from November 20, 2024, during the initial mention of the lawsuit.

The presiding judge, Justice O. A. Osaghae said “This is a new matter, it is mentioned for the 1st time. I’ve looked at the procedures, and I think parties should try to resolve this conflict in a friendly manner. Consequential, parties are encouraged pursuant to section 20 of the NICA 2006, to attempt amicable settlement”.

Meanwhile, the CBN represented by a team of attorneys led by Inam Wilson made a court appearance and that he had received a counterclaim request from the claimants that had been served with.

Justice Osaghae, following the defendant’s counsel submission, adjourned to January 29, 2025, for a hearing of the preliminary Objection.

Remember that the apex bank abruptly terminated about a thousand staff positions between March and May of the aforementioned year in four batches.

Some laid-off employees claimed they were paid as little as N5,000 per month for severance, but others claimed that all outstanding loans were completely repaid.

The affected staff claimed that the process was in violation of the CBN Act, which requires board approval for significant employment decisions, despite the fact that the layoff was officially attributable to reorganization and human capital restructuring.

Source: Channels TV