A fresh controversy has erupted in the nation’s capital as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) lock horns over the ownership of two prime plots of land in Abuja.
Tensions flared following a public notice issued by the NSITF on Thursday, July 10, 2025. In the announcement, signed by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oluwaseun Faleye, the agency declared key land documents including the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and Deed of Assignment as missing. These documents pertain to Plots MISC 54707 and MISC 54824, which NSITF claims belong to its management board.
The Fund cautioned the public, along with relevant authorities such as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), against engaging with any individual or entity in possession of the original documents.
Reacting sharply, the NLC dismissed NSITF’s notice as “mischievous,” “absurd,” and “a display of ignorance.” In a strongly worded statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress asserted that it holds both the legal and physical rights to the disputed plots.
“We consider this publication either a mischievous act, a ridiculous assertion, or perhaps an expression of sheer ignorance,” Ajaero stated. “These plots have always belonged to the Nigeria Labour Congress, remain the property of the Congress, and will continue to do so.”
The NLC further clarified that it is in actual possession of the land and, therefore, holds undisputed proprietary and possessory rights. Ajaero emphasized that it is legally untenable to declare as lost documents pertaining to property one does not own or occupy.
While the Congress has called on NSITF to immediately retract its notice, it indicated that no legal action would be pursued at this time, describing its position as a “measured response” to avoid escalating the dispute further.
Nevertheless, Ajaero urged NSITF to consult both the NLC and Trustfund Pensions to ascertain the true ownership status of the plots. The Congress also appealed to the general public and all relevant land authorities to disregard NSITF’s publication entirely.
“The FCTA, AGIS, and all other statutory bodies involved in land administration should treat NSITF’s notice as null and void,” the statement concluded.
In a swift rebuttal, the NSITF reiterated its claim to the plots. In a counter-release signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexandra Mede, the Fund stood by its initial position and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved through due legal processes.
“The NSITF has taken note of the NLC’s reaction but reaffirms its earlier stance,” the statement read. “We trust that the appropriate authorities will address the issue in accordance with the law.”
As both parties dig in, the ownership tussle has set the stage for what may become a prolonged legal and administrative battle over highly coveted Abuja land.
