President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined assent to two recently passed bills from the National Assembly, citing fiscal loopholes, policy conflicts, and potential threats to transparency and economic stability.
The affected legislations are the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the National Library Trust Fund (Establishment, etc.) Amendment Bill, 2025.
In separate letters addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu explained that while the objectives of both bills were commendable, certain provisions could undermine sound public financial management and good governance if allowed to stand.
On the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill, the President noted that provisions introducing unauthorized levies on trade, unregulated borrowing powers, and the authority to invest government appropriations in securities were inconsistent with existing fiscal laws.
He particularly highlighted Section 18(4a), which proposed a “1% freight charge on every import and export” without Federal Executive Council approval, describing it as an “unregulated and burdensome levy outside the national budgetary framework.”
Additionally, President Tinubu flagged Sections 20, 21, and 23, warning that they could enable uncontrolled borrowing and misuse of public funds.
“These provisions, if allowed, would not only undermine fiscal discipline but also create opportunities for financial abuse. For these reasons, I withhold my assent to the bill,” he stated.
On the National Library Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, President Tinubu acknowledged its intent to strengthen educational infrastructure but noted that certain sections conflicted with established federal policies on agency funding, staff remuneration, taxation, and tenure.
He emphasized that such conflicts could set unsustainable precedents in public administration and disrupt the uniform structure of the federal civil service system.
“For these reasons, I cannot grant presidential assent to the bill in its present form. I urge the Senate to revisit and address the identified issues,” the President said.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President’s diligence and directed relevant committees to rework the affected bills in line with the issues raised.
“This demonstrates the seriousness with which Mr. President is reviewing every legislation we pass. It is now our responsibility to carefully address the concerns raised,” Akpabio noted.
The Transport Technology Bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action, while the Library Trust Fund Bill was referred to the Committees on Special Duties, Establishment, and Public Service Matters.
