Former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have initiated legal proceedings against the apex bank, challenging their dismissal in a series of mass terminations conducted in early 2024. The case, filed at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, represents 33 claimants led by Stephen Gana.

The Legal Challenge

The dismissed employees contend that their termination letters, issued under "Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring" on April 5, 2024, violated:

- Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution

- CBN Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM)

- Nigerian labour laws

- Their contractual rights

The claimants are seeking:

- Declarations nullifying their terminations

- Immediate reinstatement

- Payment of withheld salaries and benefits

- N30 billion in general damages

- N500 million in legal costs

Scale of the Layoffs

The terminations affected 218 employees across four batches between March and May 2024:

- 116 executive-level staff

- 97 senior-level employees

- 5 junior-level workers

Termination Dates

- First batch: March 15, 2024

- Second batch: March 22, 2024

- Third batch: April 5, 2024

- Fourth batch: May 24, 2024

Key Issues in Dispute

Procedural Violations

The former employees argue that the CBN:

- Failed to consult the Joint Consultative Council as required by Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM

- Gave only three days' notice to vacate positions

- Bypassed board approval for the terminations

- Denied them fair hearing rights

Compensation Concerns

Affected employees report severe financial hardships:

- Some received severance payments as low as N5,000

- Many had gratuities entirely absorbed by outstanding loans

- Staff with 6-10 years of service saw gratuities used to offset loans

- Some still owe N25-35 million after gratuity deductions

- Employees with 10-20 years of service received minimal compensation

CBN's Response

The CBN has defended its actions through a preliminary objection, stating:

- Terminations followed contractual terms

- Three months' salary was paid in lieu of notice

- Dismissals were part of internal restructuring

- No misconduct allegations were involved

- The court lacks jurisdiction over the matter

Current Status

The case came before O. A. Obaseki Osaghae on November 20, 2024, who:

- Encouraged both parties to seek amicable resolution

- Referenced Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act 2006

- Adjourned the case to January 29, 2025

The CBN's spokesperson, Hakama Ali, has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations and compensation issues.