By Mustapha Salisu
The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), with ECOSOC Consultative Status, has expressed deep concern over reports of alleged discriminatory practices and unfair labor actions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under its ongoing restructuring agenda.
In a press release signed by Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director of IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter, the organization described the reported actions as violations of human rights and constitutional guarantees.
The IHRC-RFT highlighted allegations that over 400 senior staff were forcibly retired or dismissed, seemingly linked to the previous administration, raising questions about due process and fairness.
Additionally, reports suggest over 2,300 employees, including married women, were transferred to Lagos under conditions allegedly designed to force resignations, disrupting family stability and potentially breaching both international and national legal protections.
Further claims of coercive practices, such as pressuring over 6,000 employees into accepting early retirement packages or undergoing questionable competency tests, reflect a lack of transparency and fairness, the statement noted.
Allegations that subsequent recruitment processes have favored certain groups have also sparked concerns about inclusivity and equity in public institutions.
Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu called on the CBN, the Federal Government, and oversight bodies to ensure transparency by disclosing the processes behind the layoffs, relocations, and new recruitments.
He urged stakeholders to uphold principles of non-discrimination, protect workers’ rights, and promote gender equity to address the reported transfer of married women under unfavorable conditions.
The IHRC-RFT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected individuals in their quest for justice, warning that unchecked practices of this nature could set a dangerous precedent for other institutions in the country.