The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has ruled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) must pay N629 million to a former staff member wrongfully dismissed in 2018.
The decision was made by Justice Faustina Kola-Olalere of the Port Harcourt Judicial Division on September 9, 2024.
Dr. Williams, the claimant, had worked as an Assistant Administrative Supervisor at NNPC for over 30 years.
In 2018, he was dismissed under contentious circumstances, which he claimed were unlawful.
Dr. Williams sought N25 billion in damages, arguing that his dismissal violated employment laws and the company’s internal guidelines.
His lawyer, F.K. Amachree Esq., contended that Dr. Williams had been wrongfully targeted after identifying fraudulent activities within NNPC.
According to Amachree, Dr. Williams had served the company without issues until his abrupt dismissal.
The case highlighted that NNPC did not follow due process before firing Dr. Williams.
Amachree also noted that the dismissal was not preceded by a fair hearing, contrary to employment regulations.
In response, NNPC’s legal team argued that Dr. Williams’s dismissal was justified due to alleged gross negligence.
The NNPC argued that Dr. Williams’s actions led to significant losses for the company.
The company’s legal team cited the NNPC Corporate Policy and Procedure Guide (CPPG), which they claimed allowed for such a dismissal.
However, Justice Kola-Olalere found that NNPC failed to prove any gross negligence or criminal behavior on Dr. Williams’s part.
The court also noted that the initial suspension letter did not provide for paid suspension, which violated relevant laws.
The judge highlighted that NNPC’s policies allowed for termination but not dismissal as a means of disengagement.
In the judgment, Justice Kola-Olalere said that Dr. Williams was entitled to his full salary for the period of his first suspension from January 23, 2015, to May 9, 2016.
Additionally, he was entitled to half of his monthly salary for the second suspension period from May 10, 2016, to February 15, 2018.
The court ruled that Dr. Williams was a top-ranking employee who deserved his terminal benefits as per his contract.
The total amount awarded includes N24.6 million for unpaid salaries, N600 million for exemplary damages, and N5 million for legal costs.
Justice Kola-Olalere condemned NNPC’s decision to dismiss Dr. Williams without justifiable cause, stating it was a clear breach of employment terms.
“The Defendant was reckless in dismissing the Claimant baselessly from its employment,” the judge said.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, established in 1976, is responsible for resolving trade, labor, and employment disputes.
