The Management of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Kaduna has debunked allegations of withholding staff promotion and benefits.
Major Haruna Mohammed Sani, Deputy Director Information/Media, DICON Kaduna, in a statement, said it was saddened by the unfounded and misleading allegations 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.
“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,” it said.
According to the statement, 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 (IPPIS) falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, not DICON, as the Federal Government of Nigeria operates both the IPPIS and GIFMIS systems for the payment of civil servants’ allowances across the entire country.
“The current DG did not invent these existing systems upon assumption of office but has ensured that allowances due to DICON staff are paid,” the statement further added.
It said that any incessant assertions that staff members have not been enrolled into the IPPIS reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the system’s operations and responsibilities.
Regarding the allegation that the DG introduced tribal sentiment, it is very clear that these claims are wholly unfounded, adding that “currently, all the DG’s personal staff and aides hail from various states across Nigeria, including Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Plateau, with none 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 indicates a commitment to competence, inclusivity, and fairness for which the DG DICON is widely known. 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 claims, which seem intended to elicit sympathy while obscuring the real issues at hand,” it said.
DICON Kaduna debunks report of withholding staff promotion, welfare