Discontented former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who experienced job termination during a mass layoff in 2024, have filed a lawsuit against the apex institution at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) located in Abuja.
In an originating summons submitted on July 4, 2024, pursuant to the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, the disgruntled employees presented several inquiries for judicial determination.
They are requesting the court to ascertain whether they were deprived of their constitutional rights to a fair hearing prior to and following the termination of their appointments, asserting that the CBN contravened its internal policies, Nigerian labor laws, and their contractual entitlements.
The claimants consist of 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.
These 33 individuals, represented by Okwudili Abanum in a class action lawsuit, contended that the termination procedure, executed via correspondence titled, ‘Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’, dated April 5, 2024, was in violation of both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual as well as Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
They further asserted that the procedure was devoid of the requisite consultation and fair hearing as mandated by law.
The claimants contended that the termination letters, which were issued under the guise of restructuring, were arbitrary, unlawful, and unconstitutional.
In light of this, the claimants sought a judicial order declaring their termination null and void.
Furthermore, the claimants requested a restraining order to prohibit the CBN from dismissing them without adhering to the proper procedural protocols.
They also petitioned the court for a declaration mandating their immediate reinstatement, along with the disbursement of salaries and benefits from the date of their termination.
The lawsuit referenced Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which stipulates the necessity of consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair processes before employment actions adversely impact staff.
The claimants emphasized that this provision was egregiously ignored, as they were afforded a mere three days to vacate their positions and return official property.
Additionally, they sought N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational damage resulting from the dismissal; along with an extra N500 million as litigation expenses.
In a separate document dated November 20, 2024, during the initial mention of the suit, the court urged the disputing parties to pursue an amicable resolution to the matter.
The presiding judge, Justice O. A. Osaghae said “This is a new matter, it is mentioned for the 1st time. I have looked at the processes and it is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Consequential, parties are encouraged pursuant to section 20 of the NICA 2006, to attempt amicable settlement”.
Meanwhile, the CBN represented by a team of lawyers led by Inam Wilson informed the court that they had filed a preliminary objection to the claimants’ suit dated November 4, 2024, and he had recently been served with the claimants’ wish to respond to the counter.
Justice Osaghae, following the defendant’s counsel submission, adjourned to January 29, 2025, for a hearing of the preliminary Objection
