Disengaged staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria who were relieved of their jobs in a mass layoff last year have dragged the bank before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja.

In an originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, under the NICN Civil Procedure Rules 2017, the aggrieved staff members raised several questions for determination.

The Ex-CBN staff members among others, are asking the court to determine whether they were denied their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their appointments were terminated while they claimed that the CBN violated internal policies, Nigerian labour laws, and their contractual rights.

All the 33 staff, represented by Okwudili Abanum, in a class action lawsuit, argued that the termination process, carried out through letters, titled, ‘Reorganizational and Human Capital Restructuring’, dated April 5, 2024, violated both the CBN human resources policies and procedures manual and Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.

They posited that the process lacked the necessary consultation and fair hearing mandated by law adding that the termination letters, issued based on restructuring, were arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.

The claimants however, sought an order declaring their dismissal null and void as well as a restraining order to prevent the CBN from firing them without following the proper procedures.

They also prayed to the court for a declaration ordering their immediate reinstatement, and payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

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

They also sought 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.

Justice Osaghae, following the defendant’s counsel submission, adjourned to January 29, 2025, for a hearing of the preliminary Objection.

Recall that in 2024, the apex bank terminated the appointments of about a thousand staff in four batches between March and May of the aforementioned year.