The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) with ECOSOC Consultative Status, has condemned the alleged discrimination and unfair practices in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the layoffs of staff and its relocation to Lagos state.
In a statement on Tuesday, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the IHRC-RFT Country Director in Nigeria said his organization expressed grave concern over recent reports regarding actions allegedly taken by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under its restructuring agenda.
These reports suggest troubling patterns of discrimination, unfair labor practices, and systemic violations of human rights and constitutional guarantees.
According to the statement, some of the key allegation concerns are unlawful retirements and dismissals;
The reported forceful retirement and dismissal of over 400 senior staff, allegedly linked to the previous administration, raises questions about due process and fairness. Such actions contravene the principles of non-discrimination enshrined in Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Targeted Transfers to Lagos:
The alleged deliberate transfer of over 2,300 staff, including married women, to Lagos under circumstances reportedly forcing resignations is deeply concerning. These actions potentially violate Article 23(1) of the UDHR, which guarantees the right to favorable work conditions, and Section 17(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which promotes gender equality and safeguards workers’ welfare.
Coercive Early Exit Packages and Competency Tests:
Reports of over 6,000 employees being pressured into accepting early retirement packages or subjected to competency tests under questionable conditions highlight a lack of transparency and potential abuse of power. This violates Article 20 of the UDHR, which protects individuals from coercion, and undermines fair labor practices.
Exclusionary Employment Practices:
Allegations that vacancies arising from these actions are being selectively filled by individuals connected to specific groups undermine inclusivity and fairness. These actions breach Article 2 of the UDHR and Section 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which advocates for equitable representation in public institutions.
The statement further said IHRC-RFT strongly opposes all forms of discrimination, coercion, and unfair labor practices. In light of these reports, we call on the relevant authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Government, and oversight bodies, to:
Ensure Transparency: Publish the rationale and process behind recent retirements, relocations, and recruitment practices.
Uphold Non-Discrimination: Guarantee decisions affecting staff are free from bias and grounded in merit.
Protect Worker Rights: Safeguard employees’ rights to fair treatment and provide recourse for grievances.
Promote Gender Equity: Address concerns regarding the targeted transfer of married women to locations undermining their family and social stability.
The IHRC-RFT is committed to supporting all affected individuals in seeking justice and ensuring their voices are heard.
“These alleged practices, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent for other institutions in Nigeria. As articulated in Article 1 of the UDHR: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
“We urge the Central Bank of Nigeria and all stakeholders to address these concerns swiftly and justly,” the statement added.
