Massive Sack: Top 3 Nigerian Banks Where Staff Do Not Work in Fear

 

The mass sacking of personnel from various banks in Nigeria has in recent time stirred panic in the hearts of many Nigerians, especially the young ones graduating daily from various higher institutions across the country.

What is the way forward for the sacked professionals?

An economic melt-down has been blamed for the mass sacking of bank staff, a development which has caused very heated debates at various levels, causing many to doubt the possibility of a future for young Nigerian professionals.

It is no news that Nigeria has so many youths (graduates) loitering the streets, with hopelessness boldly written on their faces. However, even as the hardship struck hard at the Nigerian economy, three banks were outstanding in the sense that they did not lay off staff, a feat which many of our new generation banks must strive to attain.

Below are the top three outstanding Nigerian banks which did not lay off their staff in troves. It is remarkable to note this because so many lives were destroyed, families broken due to the massive retrenchment of the times.

Guaranty Trust Bank

Having clinched the African Banker Award for innovation in 2016 under the leadership of Mr Segun Agbaje, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) has kept a very good record. Beyond bringing simple banking for every Nigerian regardless of class, GTB has kept in line with their principle of being an employer of choice which goes beyond the regular pay package.

GTB within the year in focus was one of the leading banks in terms of training and mentoring staff. Leveraging advancements in technology to pioneer innovative products, there is no doubt that their rapidly growing customer base has help them to keep and nurture their staff even in the face of a dying economy.

Zenith Bank Plc

With over 500 branches and business offices in prime commercial centres in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), there is no doubt that Zenith Bank is one of the largest in Africa. But being large is not all it takes in the banking industry; hence Zenith has continued to grow operating on a culture of excellence and strict adherence to global best practices.

Having grown its shareholder’s fund of N20million in 1990 to N509.25billion as at year end 2013, one can easily understand how this bank has been able to maintain its staff, seeing to their welfare and ensuring that they are not let go into the oblivion of the Nigerian economy.

 Fidelity Bank Plc
Without mincing words, Fidelity is undoubtedly among the fastest growing commercial banks in Nigeria today. With a stable and innovative management as led by (Nnamdi Okonkwo), this bank’s staff are jealously admired in the banking industry. The bank has earned itself a reputation for quick service and SME banking.

University graduates also often seek to join the bank because of its graduate and leadership training programs. Little wonder why in 2014, Fidelity Bank announced the promotion of 963 out of its employees, on conclusion of its 2014 annual staff performance appraisal.

These three Nigerian banks have distinguished themselves and as such deserve worthy mention. This piece has been written as to give upcoming professionals in the banking sector an idea of where they can build their carrier without fear of sudden retrenchment, as well as to urge other banks within the sector to stop the massive dismissal of their staff, as this has a grave adverse effect on Nigeria as a nation.