Former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have filed a lawsuit over alleged wrongful dismissal during a mass layoff in 2024. The claimants argue that their termination violated internal policies, Nigerian labor laws, and constitutional rights, seeking reinstatement and N30 billion in damages.
Former staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), dismissed in a mass layoff last year, have filed a lawsuit against the institution. The claimants argue that their terminations violated CBN’s internal policies, Nigerian labor laws, and their contractual rights. Represented by Stephen Gana and 32 others, they filed a class action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja.
The workers claim that the layoff process, titled "Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring," violated CBN’s HR policies and the Nigerian constitution by failing to provide proper consultation and a fair hearing. The termination letters, issued in April 2024, are described as arbitrary and unconstitutional, with the claimants seeking reinstatement, payment of salaries and benefits, and N30 billion in damages for psychological distress and reputational harm.
The claimants argue that they were given just three days to vacate their positions, with no consultation or adherence to fair procedures. They are seeking a court ruling declaring their dismissals void and a restraining order preventing further unlawful actions. The court has encouraged both parties to explore a settlement. The matter is adjourned until January 29, 2025, for further hearing or to review the progress of settlement discussions.
In response, the CBN has maintained that the layoff was part of a voluntary early exit package aimed at improving efficiency, although the House of Representatives is investigating the process.
