Success Nwankwo
The House of Representatives has decided to investigate the recent dismissal of around 600 employees from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The resolution passed by the House came after a motion on urgent public significance made on the floor during Wednesday’s plenary by Mr. Jonathan Gbefwi, the member representing the Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State.
It was recalled that the need to realign the bank for efficient functioning served as the foundation for the apex bank’s decision last week to fire a number of employees.
Gbefwi informed the House that the CBN has been reducing staff as part of a larger reform, “which has affected close to 600 employees including directors and nearly all staff members in the Governor’s Directorate being terminated.”
He claims that many parties, including the impacted workers, labour unions, and the broader public, are very troubled and divided by the recent downsizing by the top bank.
He bemoaned the fact that the CBN’s move has impacted elite professionals whose talents could be stolen by Europe and America, leaving the nation shortchanged.
.“We are concerned that these layoffs, without any kind of fair hearings or panels, could result in significant settlement costs for the country,” he stated.
He also stated that “The House is worried about staff morale and progression. People choose careers in civil service so that they can end careers like their superiors and mentors who trained them. Seeing their bosses being treated with disregard and like criminals will send a message that professionalism is not rewarded, as well as, meritorious service to our great nation Nigeria.”
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chaired the plenary after the resolution was adopted, directed the Committees on Banking Regulations and Federal Character to investigate the CBN changes that resulted in staff reductions and provide a report to the house in four weeks.
