NSITF, NLC Disagree Over Ownership of Abuja Land 

By Chinedu Echianu

The Management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has insisted that it lost the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney and Deed of Assignment in respect of Plot Numbers MISC 54707 and MISC 54824 located in Abuja, urging the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to re-issue it with fresh copies of the missing documents.

In a public notice placed in major national dailies on Thursday July 10 and signed by the Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, the NSITF had claimed ownership of the landed property but said the title documents were lost.

The Fund therefore urged the Department of Land Administration, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA); the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS); and other relevant authorities involved not to deal with anyone who may be in possession of the original title documents for any transaction whatsoever.

However, a quick rebuttal made by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed shock at the announcement, describing it as mischievous and utterly ridiculous as the lands in question have always belonged to the NLC who are in possession of the documents that were declared missing by the NSITF.

The rebuttal signed by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero read in parts; “In a few words, therefore, both the proprietary and possesory rights on, over and about those plots reside with the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“It is trite knowledge that one cannot claim loss or issue loss notice over that which one has neither possesory nor proprietary right.

“Accordingly, NISTF is advised to withdraw this notice. We are neither pressing charges nor asking for damages for the embarrassment this public notice has caused us for now.

“NISTF is equally advised to consult the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trustfund Pensions for the true position of the aforesaid plots of land. The general public, FCTA, AGIS and other authorities vested with powers on land titling are urged to ignore this notice.”

Shortly after the rebuttal was made, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) came out with a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexandra Mede standing on its position; “The 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.”