By Abiola Olawale
The House of Representatives on Tuesday announced a resolution to constitute an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the purported retirement of 1,000 employees at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The Green Chamber said the committee is tasked with the responsibility of conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the factors contributing to this significant reduction in the workforce.
Furthermore, the House of Representatives also asked the committee to examine the purported allocation of N50 billion designated for the severance payments of the sacked staff members of the apex bank.
The New Diplomat reports that the resolution came after a motion of urgent public importance was sponsored by Hon Kama Nkemkama, the member representing Ohaozara/Oncha/Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State at the House of Representatives.
It would be recalled that reports had emerged on Monday revealing that the CBN is purportedly preparing to retire approximately 1,000 employees as part of its strategic workforce realignment.
Speaking on the motion Nkemkama urged his colleagues to rise up to the occasion and show adequate interest in the matter.
He noted that the House needs to probe “CBN’s announcement of an N50bn payoff scheme to compensate the affected staff, as part of its human resource reorganisation strategy.
“The House is concerned about the sudden mass retirement of over 1,000 staff, including directors and senior management.”
He noted that the development “Raises critical questions about the criteria for selection, transparency, and adherence to due process in line with public service guidelines and labour laws.”
Following the debate, the motion was adopted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
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Abbas declared that the house resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to “Investigate the mass retirement of over 1,000 staff of the CBN to ascertain the criteria, process, and legality of the exercise.
“Examine the N50bn payoff scheme to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper utilisation of funds.
“Engage the leadership of the CBN to evaluate the potential economic and institutional impact the mass retirement has on Nigeria’s financial sector.”
