Former workers sue CBN for rights violation

33 former members of staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who were dismissed in a mass layoff last year, have dragged the apex bank to court, alleging rights violations.

The workers alleged that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights.

The claimants, represented by Stephen Gana and 32 others, filed a class action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja.

They said their termination process, carried out through letters titled “Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring,” and dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM) and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The claimants said the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

The originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, raised several questions for the court to consider, including whether the claimants were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated.

The workers also claimed that the termination letters, issued on the basis of “restructuring,” were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.

Insisting that they continue to work for the apex bank, the claimants are seeking a court ruling that their dismissals are “void and useless.”

Additionally, they sought a restraining order to prevent the CBN from firing them without following the proper procedures, immediate reinstatement, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

The court filing references Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which mandates consultation with the Joint Consultative Council (JCC) and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions adversely affect staff.

The claimants said the provision was flagrantly disregarded, as they were given just three days to vacate their positions and hand over official property.

The claimants contend that the CBN failed to provide them an opportunity to be heard before and after the issuance of the termination letters.

They argue that the bank’s justification of restructuring does not align with due process as outlined in the Constitution and the HRPPM.

They are seeking N30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal; and an additional N500 million as the cost of the suit.