Tinubu Withholds Assent to Two Bills, Citing Fiscal Risks and Legal Conflicts
President flags loopholes in transport, library trust fund bills; urges Senate review

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to sign two recently passed bills into law, citing concerns over fiscal discipline, legal inconsistencies, and potential policy conflicts.

The President’s decision was formally communicated to the National Assembly on Tuesday, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio read out the letters during plenary.

The bills affected are the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the National Library Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025. While acknowledging the objectives of both bills, Tinubu warned that key provisions could compromise transparency, undermine economic stability, and set a dangerous precedent in public sector governance.

Transport Technology Bill Raises Red Flags

On the Transport Technology Bill, the President raised objections to clauses that authorize the imposition of new levies, permit unregulated borrowing, and allow for investment of government funds without adequate oversight.

Specifically, Tinubu cited Section 18(4a), which proposed a levy of 1% on all imports and exports to fund the institute, as problematic. He noted that the levy lacked approval from the Federal Executive Council and would place undue financial pressure on businesses while creating an unregulated revenue stream outside the national budget.

He also criticized Section 20, which granted the institute power to borrow up to ₦50 million without presidential consent. The President warned that this provision could be exploited through repeated borrowing just under the threshold to evade scrutiny.

Further concerns were raised about Sections 21 and 23, which authorized the investment of government-appropriated funds. Tinubu described these measures as “fiscally dangerous,” especially since the institute is not designed to be a revenue-generating agency.

“These provisions, if allowed, would not only undermine fiscal discipline but also open doors to financial abuse,” the President stated. “For these reasons, I withhold my assent to the bill.”

Library Trust Fund Amendment Also Rejected

In a separate communication, Tinubu also declined assent to the National Library Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He described the bill’s goals as commendable but flagged several provisions as conflicting with existing federal laws and public service policies.

The President highlighted concerns around proposed changes to agency funding, taxation of national institutions, staff remuneration structures, and tenure or age limits. He warned that enacting the bill in its current form would establish a precedent that is “unsustainable and against the public interest.”

“I urge the Senate to revisit and address the identified issues,” Tinubu advised.

Senate to Rework Bills

In response, Senate President Akpabio commended the President’s thorough review of the legislation and directed relevant committees to re-examine the bills.

“This demonstrates the seriousness with which Mr. President is reviewing every legislation we pass,” Akpabio said. “It is now our responsibility to carefully address the issues he has raised.”

The Senate has referred the Transport Technology Bill to the Committee of the Whole for further action, while the Library Trust Fund Bill has been forwarded to the Committees on Special Duties and Establishment and Public Service Matters.