CBN Faces Legal Battle Over April 2024 Layoffs

A legal dispute has emerged between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 33 former employees who claim they were wrongfully dismissed during a mass layoff in early 2024.

The affected workers, led by Stephen Gana, have filed a lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, accusing the bank of breaching labor laws, internal policies, and their contractual rights.

The termination letters, dated April 5, 2024, cited “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” as the reason for the layoffs. However, the dismissed staff argue that the process violated Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and provisions of the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM). They claim the bank failed to consult the Joint Consultative Council and did not provide the required fair hearing.

The claimants allege they were given only three days to vacate their positions and return official property. They argue that this abrupt process disregarded Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates proper consultation and procedural fairness in employment matters.

Key Demands of the Former Employees
In the lawsuit filed on July 4, 2024, the dismissed staff are seeking:

1. A declaration that their terminations were unlawful and unconstitutional.

2. Immediate reinstatement to their positions.

3. Payment of all salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

4. A restraining order to prevent future dismissals without due process.

5. ₦30 billion in damages for psychological distress and reputational harm.

6. ₦500 million to cover the cost of the lawsuit.

The claimants emphasize that their contracts carried a “statutory flavor,” which imposes stricter conditions for dismissal, consistent with public service rules.

CBN’s Defense and Court Proceedings
The CBN, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Inam Wilson, filed a preliminary objection to the lawsuit on November 4, 2024. During a court session on November 20, 2024, Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae urged both parties to consider an amicable resolution. Citing Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) 2006, the judge stated, “It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute.”

The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection or an update on settlement discussions.

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