For some former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the end of their careers did not come with closure — it came suddenly, and without warning.
After spending between five and 14 years working with the apex bank, a group of ex-staff say they were abruptly disengaged under what management described as “organizational restructuring.” But to them, it felt like something else entirely.
“After 5, 9, and even 14 years of dedicated service… we were disengaged overnight,” one affected worker said. “There was no transparency and no clear indication of who would be affected or why.”
According to the group, there were no queries, no warnings, and no opportunity to defend themselves before the decision was taken.
“In a single moment, our livelihoods and the stability of our families were destroyed,” the source added.
What has deepened the pain for many is what came after.
The workers claim they were offered compensation as low as ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 — in some cases, just one month’s salary — despite years of service. They also allege they were asked to sign agreements preventing them from taking legal action.
“We were told to accept it and move on,” another worker said. “But we did not agree.”
Behind the figures are real struggles.
Many say they are still dealing with financial pressure nearly two years later — loans unpaid, plans disrupted, and families affected.
“Some of us had housing loans, car loans… and our entitlements were used to offset these debts, leaving us with nothing,” one former employee explained.
There are also claims of internal issues leading up to the dismissals, including allegations of workplace bullying, manipulated performance appraisals, and ignored complaints.
In one case, a senior staff member’s disengagement was reportedly converted to retirement — allowing full benefits — a move that has raised concerns about fairness and consistency.
Now, the affected workers are asking for either reinstatement or full compensation reflecting the years they expected to continue working.
But beyond their personal cases, they say their fight is about something bigger.
“Due process and fair hearing are not privileges; they are fundamental rights,” one of them said.
As they continue to seek justice, their story highlights a difficult question many workers quietly face:
What happens when years of loyalty end without dignity?