By Augustine Ehikioya
The Management of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has debunked the allegation of promotion denial for some staff.
It said it has taken note of the unfounded allegations published against the noble image of the Corporation by an online media outlet on October 14, 2024.
A statement by Major Haruna Mohammed Sani, Deputy Director Information/ Media, DICON, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), reads “These allegations alleged that DICON leadership directed the exclusion of certain DICON staff members from the 2024 promotion list due to their participation in a staff protest held in April 2024.
“While DICON management typically refrains from engaging with such unsubstantiated claims. It is imperative to address this misinformation that seeks to undermine the integrity of both DICON, its leadership and Nigeria’s bid to rebuild and rebrand its Military Industrial Complex.
“Firstly, it is essential to state that DICON is a critical national asset that operates in accordance with the extant Public Service Regulations. The disciplinary and promotion processes within DICON are governed by a standing Senior and Junior Staff Committees composed exclusively of civilians, with no members representing the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The role of the DG and DICON management is often to approve the recommendations made by these committees, based on their objective assessments and considerations.
“Additionally, it is important to clarify that enrollment in the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPS) falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, not DICON, as the Federal Government of Nigeria operates both the IPPIS and GIFMIS systems for payment of civil servants’ allowances across the entire country.
“The current DG did not invent these existing systems on assumption of office, but has ensured that allowances due to DICON staff are paid. Thus, any incessant assertions that staff members have not been enrolled into the IPPS reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the system’s operations and responsibilities.
“With regard to the allegations of tribalism against the DG, it is very clear that these claims are wholly unfounded. Currently, all the DG’s personal staff and aides hail from various States across Nigeria, including Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Plateau, with non from Akwa Ibom State. The DG’s last 4 Military Assistants since 2021 have been from Borno, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger and currently Oyo State.”
This diverse representation, he said, indicated a commitment to competence, inclusivity and fairness for which the DG DICON is widely known for.
“Without prejudice to the esteemed professional officers from the DG’s home state. Such mischievous allegations further expose the baseless and desperate nature of the allegations, which seem intended to elicit sympathy while obscuring the real issues at hand.
“It is also critical to highlight that 320 eligible DICON staff were cleared to participate in the exercise, while 46 individuals were excluded from this year’s staff promotion list, being previously subjected to disciplinary actions due to persistent absenteeism and violations of the DICON Act 2023, having been absent themselves for over two weeks without valid justification.
“It is noted to also observe that staff orchestrating this mischief also admitted to have participated in a strike action in the Corporation, further justifying a reason for their exclusion based on disciplinary grounds. Moreover, the claim that a fire at the factory on the eve of the 19 March, 2023, protest was orchestrated to distract attention from staff grievances is utterly ludicrous. No sensible individual would risk compromising an establishment that employs over 800 people and is fundamental to their own professional stability and success.”
Regarding the matter of 2019 minimum wage arrears and the 2022/2023 promotion arrears, it said, it is essential to stress that these responsibilities lie with the Federal Government. DICON has submitted all necessary documentation to the appropriate departments for consideration and approval.
“These allegations represent a calculated attempt by malefactors to tarnish the good reputation of DICON and its leadership during a pivotal moment in its efforts to transform DICON into an exemplary model of collaboration within the Military Industrial Complex.
“DICON management had anticipated that the media outlet would thoroughly verify the claims before publication, adhering to professional journalistic standards. As we work together toward fulfilling DICON’s mission, we expect all personnel to maintain discipline and uphold public service regulations. DICON staff are encouraged to renew their commitment and collaboration in achieving DICON’s objectives.
