DICON Refutes Allegations of Promotion Exclusion, Calls Claims Baseless

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has strongly denied allegations that certain staff were deliberately excluded from its 2024 promotion list.

The claims, made by an online media outlet, suggested that the exclusion was a result of staff participation in an April protest.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, DICON’s Deputy Director of Information and Media, Maj. Haruna Sani, dismissed the accusations as “misleading” and called for them to be disregarded.

“The management of DICON has taken note of the unfounded allegations published against the noble image of the corporation by an online media outlet on Oct. 14,” Sani said.

“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,” he added.

Sani emphasised that DICON operates under strict adherence to Public Service Regulations, with promotion decisions handled by independent committees composed of civilian members.

“The DG and DICON management only approve recommendations made by these committees based on objective assessments,” he noted.

He further clarified that DICON has no role in the enrollment of staff into the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), which falls under the Federal Government’s purview.

“The current DG did not invent these existing systems on assumption of office but has ensured that allowances due to DICON staff are paid,” Sani explained.

Addressing accusations of tribalism against the Director-General, Sani described them as “wholly unfounded.”

He pointed out that the DG’s personal staff and aides come from diverse states across Nigeria, including Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Plateau, with none from Akwa Ibom.

“This diverse representation indicates a commitment to competence, inclusivity, and fairness, for which the DG DICON is widely known,” Sani added.

Regarding the exclusion of 46 staff from this year’s promotion list, Sani revealed that these individuals had been disciplined for absenteeism and violations of the DICON Act 2023.

“These personnel were absent for over two weeks without valid justification,” he said, adding that some of them admitted to participating in the April strike.

Sani also dismissed allegations that a factory fire on the eve of the March 2023 protest was orchestrated to distract from staff grievances as “utterly ludicrous.”

“No sensible individual would risk compromising an establishment that employs over 800 people,” he remarked.

On the matter of unpaid 2019 minimum wage arrears and promotion arrears, Sani stressed that these issues are the responsibility of the Federal Government, and DICON has submitted all required documentation for approval.

He concluded by urging DICON staff to remain disciplined and committed to the corporation’s objectives, while advising the media to verify claims before publication.

“DICON staff are encouraged to renew their commitment and collaboration in achieving DICON’s objectives,” Sani said.