The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) are currently at loggerheads over the ownership of two plots of land in Abuja.
The dispute erupted after NSITF published a public notice declaring documents including Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and Deed of Assignment relating to Plot Numbers MISC 54707 and MISC 54824 as lost.
The notice, signed by the Fund’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oluwaseun Faleye, and published in some national dailies, cautioned the public and authorities, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS), not to transact with anyone holding the original documents.
NSITF claimed the plots were allocated in favour of its Management Board.
But the NLC swiftly rejected the notice, describing it as “utterly ridiculous,” and possibly a product of “sheer ignorance.”
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress insisted it remains the rightful owner of the plots.
“We find this publication as mischievous or utterly ridiculous or hopefully, an act of sheer ignorance because 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 declared.
He stressed that the Congress holds both proprietary and possessory rights over the plots, saying that “In a few words, therefore, both the proprietory and possessory rights on, over and about those plots reside with the Nigeria Labour Congress.”
Though, the NLC said it would not be taking legal action for now, but urged that the NSITF to withdraw its notice.
“We are neither pressing charges nor asking for damages for the embarrassment this public notice has caused us for now,” Ajaero added.
The Congress also advised NSITF to clarify ownership with the NLC and Trustfund Pensions
“NSITF is equally advised to consult the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trustfund Pensions for the true position of the aforesaid plots of land,” the statement noted.
But in a counter-statement signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexandra Mede, the NSITF reaffirmed it ownership of the properties, expressing confidence that the appropriate authorities will resolve the matter in accordance with the law.
She stated: “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.”
