Tensions remain high at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as staff allegations of victimization, selective justice, and ethnic bias threaten to escalate into further action.

Following demonstrations in April, DICON employees accuse management of victimizing them for demanding fair treatment and transparent pay practices. The demonstrations highlighted staff grievances, including:

– Lack of access to IPPIS
– Outstanding minimum wage arrears
– Unexplained suspension of allowances

Staff allege these issues have caused financial hardship and demoralization. “We exercised our rights as workers, but now face punishment. We demand an end to this victimization and a fair process.”

DICON management, however, accuses them of being “mischievous” and “economical with the truth.” They claim the demonstrations violated employee regulations and are investigating participants.

Staff counter these claims, asserting their demonstrations were a legitimate expression of worker concerns protected under Nigerian law. They accuse management of intimidation, including denial of promotions, demotion in rank, and threat of sack, with the Director General, Major General Aniedi Edet, allegedly spearheading these actions.

According to DICON staff, as of June 2024, their demands remain unmet, including:

– 2019 minimum wage arrears
– 2022 promotion arrears
– Balance of 2019 promotion arrears (44%)
– Balance of 2020 promotion arrears (51%)
– 2021 promotion arrears (41%)
– President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 N35,000 Wage Award

“We will not be intimidated or silenced,” said a staff member. “We demand fair treatment and transparency, and we will continue with our protestations until our demands are met.”

Staff are seeking intervention from the President, Minister of Defence, and other government agencies to address their concerns and threaten further mass demonstrations if management doesn’t comply.