The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) are currently going against each other, over the ownership of two plots of land in Abuja.
A public notice signed by NSITF’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oluwaseun Faleye, and published in some national dailies had declared as lost, the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and Deed of Assignment relating to Plot Numbers MISC 54707 and MISC 54824.
The Fund claimed these plots were in favour of the NSITF Management Board and warned the public and relevant authorities, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS), not to deal with any person in possession of the original documents.
However, the Nigeria Labour Congress In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero fiercely rejected the notice, describing it as “mischievous,” “utterly ridiculous,” and possibly a product of “sheer ignorance.”
Ajaero stressed that the Congress does not only own the land in question but was also in possession of it.
“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.
“In a few words, therefore, both the proprietory and possesory rights on, over and about those plots reside with the Nigeria Labour Congress.”
Further taking a jab at NSITF’s claim, Ajaero argued that: “It is trite knowledge that one cannot claim loss or issue loss notice over that which one has neither possessory nor proprietary right.”
While the NLC demanded that the NSITF withdraw its public notice, it also indicated that it was not pursuing legal redress at the moment.
“We are neither pressing charges nor asking for damages for the embarrassment this public notice has caused us for now,” he added.
The NLC also advised the NSITF to seek proper clarification from both the Congress 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 Congress concluded by calling on the
general public and all land authorities, including AGIS and the FCTA, to disregard the NSITF’s publication:
“Finally, the general public, FCTA, AGIS and other authorities vested with powers on land titling are urged to ignore this notice.”
But in a swift brief response, the NSITF maintained its stance in a counter-statement signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexandra Mede.
“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.”
Reaffirming its earlier position, the Fund added: “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.”
