Dismissed Staff Sues NNPC, Claims N25bn Damages 

A former staff with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),   Dr. Williams Abomaye-Nimenibo, has sued the corporation before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), demanding damages worth N25billion over alleged unlawful termination of his appointment.
He also demanded immediate reinstatement. Dr. Abomaye-Nimenibo had asked the court to set aside his alleged suspension and subsequent dismissal from service by the defendant, NNPC.
Abomaye-Nimenibo  requested the industrial court to reinstate him to the services of the NNPC with all benefits, entitlements, welfare packages paid to him from 15th February, 2018, till date of judgement.
He also demanded the sum of N25billion from the defendant for breach of contract and unlawful dismissal.
Counsel representing the defendant, Mr. Precious John Mark, during the court proceedings, had informed the court on the motion which they had filed to amend their statement of defence. e-Counsel to the claimant, Finjite Amachree, however, objected to the motion.
After listening to arguments of both counsels in the matter, Justice Faustina Kola-Olalere, adjourned the case to March 18, 2021, for hearing on the motion to amend statement of defence.
Speaking to newsmen after the court session, counsel to the claimant, said his client’s dismissal by the defendant was wrong, but counsel to the defendant declined comments.

By: Tonye Nria-Dappa