Sh**cking Lawsuit: CBN Faces Allegations Of Unlawful Dismissals From Former Employees

Sh**cking Lawsuit: CBN Faces Allegations Of Unlawful Dismissals From Former Employees

A legal battle has erupted between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 33 of its former employees, who are challenging their mass dismissal in 2024, claiming wrongful termination. The former staff members, represented by lawyer Stephen Gana and others, have filed a class-action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja. They accuse the CBN of breaching internal policies, labor laws, and their contractual rights.

The employees were dismissed in April 2024 through letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring,” which they argue violated Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM). They allege that the termination lacked the consultation and fair hearing required by law.

A key element of their case is the violation of Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultations with the Joint Consultative Council before taking action that affects staff employment. The claimants argue they were given only three days to vacate their positions and return official property.

Key Demands of the Claimants:

The former employees are seeking the following:

• A declaration that their terminations were unlawful and unconstitutional.
• Immediate reinstatement to their previous roles.
• Payment of salaries and benefits from the date of their termination.
• A restraining order to prevent further dismissals without due process.
• ₦30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm.
• An additional ₦500 million for legal costs.

The claimants maintain that their employment contracts carried “statutory flavour,” meaning stricter dismissal rules in line with public service regulations.

In response, the CBN, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Inam Wilson, has filed a preliminary objection to challenge the suit’s admissibility. During a hearing on November 20, 2024, Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae advised both parties to seek an amicable resolution under Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) 2006.

The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings or a status update on settlement discussions.

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