LAPO Microfinance Bank has begun reviewing concerns raised by employees over alleged compulsory work on Saturdays and public holidays, following reports that staff were directed to take part in an intensified loan recovery exercise.
The bank said it was examining how the recent work arrangements were implemented and whether they were consistent with its established policies and applicable requirements.
In a statement signed by Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing and Communications, LAPO said employee welfare remained important to the institution as it assessed the issues brought to its attention.
The development, reported by the Brandspur Banking News Desk, follows complaints from employees who alleged that management had introduced mandatory Saturday work across branches, areas and zones to improve recovery of non-performing loans.
According to the reported internal directive, staff were expected to dedicate Saturdays to loan recovery until further notice. The instruction reportedly applied across different levels of the organisation, with employees warned that failure to participate could attract disciplinary action.
The controversy also extends to public holidays. Staff reportedly received separate instructions directing them to report for duty on a designated public holiday, with loan collection, recovery activities and outstanding transactions listed among the tasks to be handled.
Employees who raised concerns questioned the absence of clearly stated overtime arrangements or alternative rest periods for the additional working days. They also argued that extended schedules could have consequences for their weekly rest and work-life balance.
The complaints were reportedly submitted to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, with the affected workers asking authorities to examine the bank’s working hours, weekend schedules, public holiday duties and provisions contained in employment contracts and staff policies.
The dispute arose amid an intensified effort by LAPO to address non-performing loans, particularly facilities issued in 2026. Management reportedly directed branches and other operational units to take responsibility for recovering affected loans while adopting a stricter approach towards new loans entering the early stages of non-performance.
LAPO, however, described the recovery measures as operational interventions introduced because of portfolio recovery priorities and the need to maintain sound loan quality.
The bank said pursuing stronger recovery outcomes would not remove its responsibility to implement operational demands responsibly and with consideration for employees.
It has not expressly confirmed that the Saturday or public holiday directives have been withdrawn, nor has it stated whether affected workers will receive overtime payments or additional rest days.
Instead, the bank said it would address issues requiring attention after completing its review and reiterated its willingness to engage constructively with employees and other stakeholders.
The review leaves the central questions raised by the workers unresolved for now, particularly over how extended working schedules should be handled and what compensation or rest arrangements apply when employees are required to work outside their normal schedules.
