NLC, NSITF clash over ownership of Abuja land plots

A dispute has erupted between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) over the ownership of two plots of land in Abuja.

The conflict was sparked by a public notice issued by NSITF’s Managing Director/CEO, Oluwaseun Faleye, which declared the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and Deed of Assignment for Plot Numbers MISC 54707 and MISC 54824 as lost.

The Fund claimed the plots belonged to its Management Board and warned the public and relevant authorities — including the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) — not to engage with anyone in possession of the documents.

In a swift and strongly worded rebuttal, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, rejected the claim, describing the publication as “mischievous,” “ridiculous,” and possibly a result of “ignorance.”

“The plots 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 stated.

“Both the proprietary and possessory rights reside with the NLC.”

He further criticized NSITF’s legal standing, arguing that no party can declare lost documents for property it does not own or possess.

Although the NLC has not initiated legal action, Ajaero demanded that NSITF retract its claim, advising the agency to consult both the Congress and Trustfund Pensions for clarification. He also urged land authorities and the public to disregard NSITF’s notice.

In response, NSITF, through a brief statement signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexandra Mede, stood by its initial claim and expressed confidence that the appropriate authorities would resolve the matter lawfully.

As both organisations hold firm to their positions, the dispute over the Abuja land remains unresolved, with potential legal implications looming.