The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the termination of over 1,000 employees at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has expressed strong disapproval of Governor Yemi Cardoso’s failure to attend its hearing.
The committee, led by Chairman Bello Kumo, questioned why the CBN’s leadership did not show up to explain the reasons behind the layoffs.
Kumo, who also serves as the Chief Whip, voiced frustration over the absence of the Labour and Employment Minister, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, at the session, which was rescheduled from Wednesday due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget.
However, Kumo praised the representative from the Federal Character Commission for attending the session.
He issued a stern warning, stating that the committee would not hesitate to take legal action against any government official who fails to attend future hearings.
He emphasized that the committee would strictly enforce the law if anyone disregards their invitation in the future.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, acknowledged the broader impact of the CBN’s decision, noting the consequences for the affected workers, their families, and the nation.
He urged the committee to thoroughly examine the calculation of the N50 billion severance pay for the workers, ensuring that due process was followed.
Abbas also called for a review to ensure that the decision to lay off the workers adhered to global best practices and legal standards.
