Mrs Abraham Ramatu, the former Head, Human Resources Department of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, is set to resume on Monday, March 4, 2024 after 5 years of unlawful termination of her employment. This is pursuant to the order of the National Industrial Court, Coram Oyewunmi J, in suit number NICN/ABJ/19/2023

On May 9, 2019, Mrs Abraham, along with some other staff of the bank, were unceremoniously sacked when her appointment at the bank was terminated for no reason and without due process.

She lodged a public complaint at the National Assembly which resolved on July 8, 2021 that she be reinstated and her entitlements paid to her. However, the Board of NEXIM Bank refused to comply with the resolution, stating that if she was aggrieved, she could approach a court of competent jurisdiction.

On January 31, 2023, she filed a complaint at the National Industrial Court, Abuja. The court gave judgment on February 21, 2024, declaring the termination of her employment unlawful, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. The court set aside the termination and ordered that she be reinstated with all her benefits and entitlements paid to her.

In an apparent notice of enforcement of the order, her lawyers, Velma Solicitors, informed the Managing Director of the Bank that she will be resuming on Monday, March 4, 2024. In a letter cited by this publication, the Managing Partner at the firm, David Ashaolu, Esq, warned that any attempt to prevent her from resuming at her duty post on Monday would amount to criminal contempt of court and will be treated as such.

There is no appeal against the judgment of the court, neither is there any order preventing the execution of the judgment.

NEXIM Bank is yet to respond to the letter as at press time.