From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund are locked in a fresh ownership dispute over two prime plots of land in Abuja, with both parties laying claim to the property and trading accusations over a public notice.
The NLC, in a strongly worded statement on Saturday, faulted a public notice issued by the NSITF claiming loss of original land documents, including the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and Deed of Assignment for plots MISC 54707 and MISC 54824.
The NSITF, in the notice published in Vanguard and The Sun on July 10, warned the public and relevant authorities not to recognise any transaction involving the original documents, insisting they had been lost and steps were underway to obtain replacements.
But reacting, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described the publication as “mischievous, ridiculous, or hopefully an act of sheer ignorance,” stressing that the land belongs exclusively to the NLC.
“The aforesaid plots of land have always belonged to the Nigeria Labour Congress, belong to the Nigeria Labour Congress, and will continue to belong to the Nigeria Labour Congress,” Ajaero said.
“In a few words, therefore, both the proprietary and possessory rights over those plots reside with the NLC. It is trite knowledge that one cannot claim loss or issue a loss notice over that which one has neither possessory nor proprietary right,” he added.
The NLC further advised the NSITF to withdraw the notice, stating it would not press charges or seek damages “for now” over the embarrassment caused by the publication. Ajaero also urged the Fund to liaise with the Congress and Trustfund Pensions to clarify the status of the plots.
“Finally, the general public, FCTA, AGIS and other authorities vested with powers on land titling are urged to ignore this notice,” the statement concluded.
In a swift response, however, the NSITF doubled down on its claims. In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexandra Mede, the Fund insisted it stood by the publication and remained confident that the matter would be resolved in its favour.
“The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has taken note of the press release issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in reaction to our recent publication relating to plots referenced under file numbers MISC 54707 and MISC 54824.
“The Fund reaffirms its position as stated in its previous publication and maintains full confidence that the appropriate authorities will resolve the matter in accordance with the law,” Mede stated.