Our attention has been drawn to the planned picketing of Fidelity Bank over the alleged sacking of drivers without adequate compensation.  This allegation is untrue and was concocted to mislead the Advocate for People’s Human Rights and Justice in particular and the public in general. 


Fidelity Bank enjoys the services of drivers provided by a vendor; FSL Limited. Such drivers are staff of FSL and may be recalled or reassigned by FSL from time to time. Due to operational realignment and increased automation of our processes, there was a considerable reduction in the number of cars previously required for our business. Consequently we had to return 15 drivers in the Abuja area to their employer; FSL Limited, after several engagements/sensitization and search for possible alternative placements. 

Even though Fidelity Bank had no contractual obligations, it considered the good relationship with FSL and the number of years of service of the affected drivers and magnanimously decided to make ex-gratia payments to the drivers, a reasonable amount for each year of service. This payment, made in good faith is now being exploited by the drivers to make additional and unreasonable demands for more, with the threat to picket the bank and disrupt services to its teeming customers. 

Fidelity Bank is a law abiding institution, operating in Nigeria in the interest of the banking public. Whilst we are not against the rights of people to constituted assembly, this action is unwarranted and obviously misdirected.  We urge the relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Police Force to note this threat to the conduct of our lawful business, just as we urge the affected drivers to engage FSL Limited for whatever grievances they may have.