A group of 33 former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken legal action against the bank, challenging their dismissal during a mass restructuring exercise in April 2024. The lawsuit, filed at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, alleges violations of constitutional rights, labor laws, and internal policies.
The claimants, represented by legal counsel Okwudili Abanum, argue that their termination was carried out without due process. They claim that the dismissal letters, titled “Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring” and issued on April 5, 2024, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.
Allegations of Procedural Breaches
The ex-CBN employees contend that: They were denied consultation and fair hearing before their dismissal, contrary to Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution. The termination process violated the bank’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual. The restructuring exercise lacked transparency and fairness.
Legal Demands
The former staff members are asking the court to
1. Declare their dismissal null and void.
2. Restrain the CBN from conducting further terminations without following due process.
Claimants’ Profile
The 33 individuals, including Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Eleanor Ihua, and Peter Adeyemi, among others, have filed the case as a class action, seeking justice for what they describe as a violation of their contractual and constitutional rights.
The Road Ahead
This legal battle underscores the importance of procedural fairness in employment practices. If successful, the case could set a precedent for handling layoffs in Nigeria, ensuring adherence to labor laws and organizational policies.
