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By Tracy Moses
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to grant assent to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025, citing a range of constitutional, policy, and fiscal issues that, according to him, could disrupt existing governance systems and create a problematic legal precedent.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, and read aloud during Tuesday’s plenary, President Tinubu acknowledged the bill’s well-meaning goals but raised serious reservations about certain clauses that appear to contravene established federal statutes and administrative policies.
“While the bill pursues commendable objectives, some of its provisions are inconsistent with established laws and policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the President noted in his message.
The letter highlighted areas of concern such as the proposed funding model for institutions under the National Assembly, taxation of federal entities, matters relating to remuneration within the public service, and specifications around age limits and years of service.
President Tinubu warned that if enacted in its present state, the bill would create “an unsustainable precedent” that could be detrimental to the broader public interest.
Although he did not elaborate on each contentious provision, the President made it clear that the current draft of the bill presents legal and fiscal challenges that could have ripple effects across the public sector and institutional governance.
He called on the National Assembly to revisit and revise the bill to align with constitutional and fiscal frameworks.
“I trust the House of Representatives will take appropriate steps to resolve the issues identified in this legislation,” Tinubu stated.
The amendment bill was intended to strengthen the law establishing the National Assembly Library Trust Fund by proposing new funding strategies and expanding its mandate. With the President’s rejection, the bill will now return to the legislature for further deliberation, amendment, or potential override.