The sudden revocation of Heritage Bank’s license sent shockwaves not only through the financial sector but also through the lives of its estimated 2,000 employees. Here’s a closer look at the human cost of the bank’s closure:
Caught Unaware:
Many employees, from entry-level staff to account relationship officers, were completely blindsided by the news. The announcement, made public on June 3rd, left them scrambling to understand their fate and their next steps. This lack of communication from the bank management added to the shock and anxiety of the situation.
Unforeseen Liquidation:
While rumors of a takeover had circulated for years, most employees anticipated some form of intervention from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – perhaps a bridge bank to take over operations and restore normalcy. The immediate liquidation order caught everyone off guard, leaving little time for preparation or emotional processing.
Swift Evacuation and Uncertainty:
The arrival of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) officials on June 3rd, initially perceived as a routine audit, quickly turned into a chaotic evacuation. Employees were instructed to pack their personal belongings and leave the building immediately. This sudden action likely aimed to prevent the removal of any valuable assets before the liquidation process began.
Financial Concerns and Hurdles:
With employee salaries deposited into their now-defunct Heritage Bank accounts, some managed to withdraw their funds before the bank stopped processing withdrawals. However, this wasn’t an option for everyone. The NDIC’s process for claiming insured deposits involved physically filling out forms at Heritage Bank branches or NDIC offices, creating a logistical hurdle for some employees, especially those facing financial constraints and unemployment.
Ripple Effect of Earlier Job Cuts:
The sudden closure followed months of job cuts at Heritage Bank. Since March 2024, the bank had been terminating contracts with an outsourcing firm managing around 800 staff, some of whom had been with the bank for over a decade. These cuts, primarily affecting tellers and drivers, could be interpreted as cost-cutting measures in anticipation of the eventual liquidation.
Union Intervention and Unanswered Questions:
The bank’s domestic union was negotiating better compensation for the previously laid-off staff when the closure happened. Now, with the entire workforce unemployed, the union’s efforts remain unresolved. The bank’s silence on addressing the current situation adds to the employees’ anxieties.
Looking Forward:
The news of the closure has sparked a wave of support within the industry, with recruiters and colleagues advertising job openings for the laid-off employees. However, the sudden job loss and the emotional toll of the closure will undoubtedly impact the lives of these individuals for some time. The future remains uncertain, and many questions remain unanswered: How will the bank’s assets be distributed? And how will the financial needs of the former employees be met? The aftermath of Heritage Bank’s closure is a story of human cost, highlighting the need for transparency, communication, and robust support systems during such crises.