The Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) management has vehemently denied allegations made by an online media outlet on October 14, 2024, that some DICON employees were left off the 2024 promotion list because they took part in a staff protest in April 2024.
The Corporation clarified in a statement issued by Major Haruna Mohammed Sani, Deputy Director of Information/Media for Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria, that the accusations are baseless and deceptive, and that they are intended to damage DICON’s reputation at a time when the organization is actively engaged in the reconstruction of Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex.
DICON is subject to stringent Public Service Regulations, and civilian-led Senior and Junior Staff Committees—rather than the Armed Forces—make decisions about promotions. Only the impartial suggestions made by these committees are accepted by the DICON Director-General (DG). Allegations that the DG was involved in denying promotions to employees because of the protest were rejected as unfounded.
Concerns about staff enrollment in the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS) were also addressed by DICON, which clarified that this is a federal government duty and beyond of DICON’s jurisdiction. Any assertions to the contrary were characterized as a systemic misunderstanding.
The letter further denied claims of tribalism against the DG, emphasizing that his personal staff is representative of several states in Nigeria, demonstrating his dedication to inclusivity and competency.
Regarding the promotion list, DICON verified that 320 qualified employees took part in the process, whereas 46 were disqualified for disciplinary grounds, such as absenteeism. Claims that a manufacturing fire was being used as a pretext to divert attention from employee complaints were considered “ludicrous.”
Finally, with all the paperwork filed for clearance, DICON reiterated that problems pertaining to minimum wage and promotion arrears are federal affairs.
The Corporation stressed that discipline and cooperation are critical to DICON’s ongoing success and requested the media outlet in issue to follow professional journalistic standards and to confirm assertions before publishing.
