BREAKING: CBN Faces Legal Battle As Dismissed Staff File Lawsuit

A legal showdown is unfolding between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 33 of its former employees, who allege wrongful termination in a mass dismissal exercise conducted earlier in 2024.

The retrenched staff, represented by Stephen Gana and others, have filed a class-action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, accusing the apex bank of violating internal policies, labour laws, and contractual rights.

The employees, dismissed via letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, argue that the termination process contravened Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM).

They claim the process lacked the consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

Central to their case is Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which requires consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions affecting staff.

The claimants allege that this provision was ignored, stating that they were given only three days to vacate their positions and return official property.

Key Demands Of The Dismissed Staff

In their originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, the claimants are seeking:

A declaration that their terminations were unlawful and unconstitutional.

Immediate reinstatement to their positions.

Payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

A restraining order preventing further dismissals without due process.

₦30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm.

An additional ₦500 million as the cost of the suit.

The claimants argue that their employment contracts carried “statutory flavour,” imposing stricter dismissal conditions aligned with public service rules and governing statutes.

The CBN, represented by its legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Inam Wilson, has challenged the suit’s admissibility in a preliminary objection filed on November 4, 2024.

During a court session on November 20, 2024, presiding Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae encouraged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution, citing Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) 2006.

“It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute,” Justice Obaseki Osaghae stated.

The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection or a progress review of settlement discussions.