-33 former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) staff, terminated in 2024 under “Reorganisation and Human Capital Restructuring,” filed a class-action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court, claiming their dismissal violated labor laws and contractual rights.
-The claimants argued that the termination process breached the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, which mandates fair consultation and adherence to internal protocols and violated Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution guaranteeing fair hearing.
-The ex-staff members are seeking nullification of their termination, reinstatement with full salaries and benefits, N30 billion in damages for hardship and distress, and an additional N500 million for legal costs.
-The CBN, represented by a senior legal team, filed a preliminary objection to the lawsuit and claimed the staff terminations were part of voluntary restructuring with no adverse repercussions for eligible participants.
-Justice O.A. Osaghae encouraged both parties to seek an amicable resolution under Section 20 of the NICA Act and adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further hearing on the preliminary objection.
Peoplesmind
