Thirty-three former workers of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have filed a lawsuit against the bank at the National Industrial Court in Abuja.
The ex-employees, who were dismissed in a mass layoff last year, are seeking N30 billion in damages and other reliefs.
In a court document filed on July 4, 2024, the former employees claim their dismissal violated their right to a fair hearing, as well as internal policies and Nigerian labour laws. They argue that the termination letters, dated April 5, 2024, and titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring,” were illegal and did not follow due process.
The plaintiffs, including Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, and Benedict Agbo, among others, are represented by lawyer Okwudili Abanum. They allege that the CBN did not consult the required Joint Consultative Council or follow the fair procedures outlined in the bank’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual.
The group is demanding the court declare their dismissal null and void, reinstate them to their positions, and ensure payment of all salaries and benefits since their termination.
They also seek N30 billion for psychological distress and hardship, along with N500 million for the cost of the lawsuit.
During the first hearing on November 20, 2024, Justice O. A. Osaghae encouraged both parties to settle the matter amicably. The CBN, represented by Inam Wilson (SAN), has raised a preliminary objection to the suit, and the case is adjourned to January 29, 2025, for further hearing.
The CBN previously stated that the layoffs, which affected about 1,000 staff between March and May 2024, were part of a reorganisation effort.
Some former employees reported receiving minimal severance payments, while others said their benefits were used to clear outstanding loans. The bank maintains that the severance package was voluntary and without penalties for eligible staff.
