The House of Representatives resolved on Wednesday to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent dismissal of approximately 600 Central Bank of Nigeria employees.
The House passed the resolution after the member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, Mr. Jonathan Gbefwi, filed a motion of urgent public interest on the floor during plenary on Wednesday.
Remember that the apex bank justified its move to lay off some of its employees last week by citing the necessity to realign the bank for efficient operation?
Addressing the House, Gbefwi stated that the CBN, as part of an extensive overhaul, has been decreasing personnel, “which has affected close to 600 employees, including directors, and nearly all staff members in the Governor’s Directorate being terminated.”
According to him, the apex bank’s recent reduction has sparked widespread worry and controversy among stakeholders, including affected personnel, labour unions, and the general public.
He complained that those affected by the CBN’s action are top-notch professionals whose skills may be lost to Europe and America, thus leaving the country short-changed.
He said, “We are worried that these retrenchments, without any sort of fair hearings or panels, could cause the nation a lot of trouble in settlements.
“A director’s tenure according to the civil service rules is two terms of four years or 60 years of service, whichever comes first. This makes them like permanent secretaries. Can the capacity being thrown away be easily replaced?
“The House is worried about staff morale and progression. People choose careers in the 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.”
Following the adoption of the resolution, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary, directed the Committees on Banking Regulations and Federal Character to investigate the CBN changes that resulted in staff downsizing and report back to the House within four weeks.
