President Bola Tinubu has withheld assent to two bills recently passed by the National Assembly, citing provisions he described as fiscally risky, inconsistent with existing policies, and potentially detrimental to sound governance. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s objection letters during Tuesday’s plenary session as lawmakers resumed from their annual recess. Concerns Over Transport …
Tinubu Withholds Assent to Two Bills Over Fiscal Policy Concerns
President Bola Tinubu has withheld assent to two bills recently passed by the National Assembly, citing provisions he described as fiscally risky, inconsistent with existing policies, and potentially detrimental to sound governance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s objection letters during Tuesday’s plenary session as lawmakers resumed from their annual recess.
Concerns Over Transport Institute Bill
The first rejected bill sought to establish the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT). Although the President acknowledged the proposal’s good intentions, he expressed concern over clauses he considered excessive and inconsistent with federal fiscal policies.
One of the key issues was the provision authorising the institute to collect 1% of all import and export freight levies, a move Tinubu described as “onerous and unfair to businesses,” and contrary to the Federal Government’s tax policy.
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The bill also granted the institute power to borrow up to ₦50 million without presidential approval and to invest public funds despite not being a revenue-generating body.
Tinubu warned that such provisions could undermine fiscal discipline and expose public funds to mismanagement.
“These clauses pose serious fiscal and governance challenges and, if allowed, would set a dangerous precedent,” he stated.
National Library Bill Also Rejected
The President also declined assent to the National Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025, citing inconsistencies with existing laws and public service regulations.
According to Tinubu, the bill contradicted established policies on government funding, taxation, public service remuneration, and tenure limits for public officials.
He said enacting the bill in its current form would “create an unsustainable precedent against the public interest.”
Tinubu urged the Senate to address the identified issues and rework the bills for possible reconsideration.
Senate Commends President’s Review
Responding to the President’s objections, Senate President Akpabio commended Tinubu for his detailed scrutiny and commitment to responsible governance.
“This demonstrates the President’s steady hands and attention to detail. It now falls on us to re-examine the bills and ensure they align with national policy and fiscal responsibility,” Akpabio told his colleagues.
Both bills were subsequently referred to the relevant Senate committees for further legislative action.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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