The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee have jointly agreed to suspend sacking of bank employees amid coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

A statement signed by the Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said a special meeting of the Bankers’ Committee was convened on Saturday, May 2nd, 2020, to further review the implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the Nigerian banking industry.

He stated that the committee especially deliberated on the issue of the operating costs of banks, in view of the disruptions triggered by the global economic difficulties and decided to take some decisions.

Okorafor stated that,

In order to help minimise and mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families and livelihoods, no bank in Nigeria shall retrench or lay-off any staff of any cadre (including full-time and part-time).

To give effect to the above measure, the express approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria shall be required in the event that it becomes absolutely necessary to lay-off any such staff.

The Central Bank of Nigeria solicits the support of all in our collective effort to weather through the economic challenges occasioned by the COVID-19.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.