President Bola Tinubu has declined approval for two legislative proposals recently passed by the National Assembly. The President’s decision, formally communicated to the Senate on Tuesday, highlighted concerns that both bills contained provisions that could compromise economic stability and conflict with existing governance frameworks.
During plenary proceedings, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read two separate letters from the President explaining the rationale behind withholding assent. While acknowledging the constructive aims behind both the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill and the National Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill, Tinubu identified specific sections that raised significant policy concerns.
The Transport Technology Bill faced particular scrutiny for what the President termed “fiscally dangerous” clauses. Key objections included a provision mandating a 1% levy on all import and export freight without proper oversight, authorization for the institute to borrow substantial sums without presidential approval, and powers to invest government funds in securities.
“These provisions, if allowed, would not only undermine fiscal discipline but also create opportunities for financial abuse,” the President stated as justification for withholding approval.
Similarly, the Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill was returned due to provisions that the President noted would create “unsustainable” precedents in public administration. Tinubu highlighted conflicts with established federal laws concerning agency funding, taxation policies, and staff remuneration structures.
In his response, Senate President Akpabio acknowledged the President’s detailed review, stating: “This demonstrates the seriousness with which Mr. President is reviewing every legislation we pass.”
The Senate has subsequently directed relevant committees to review both bills, with the Transport Technology Bill assigned to the Committee of the Whole and the Library Trust Fund Bill referred to committees on Special Duties and Public Service Matters for reconsideration.
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