Tinubu declines assent to two bills, citing “fundamental defects”
President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Establishment Bill 2025 and the National Library Trust Fund Establishment (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letters communicating the president’s decision at plenary on Tuesday.
According to a report by The Cable, President Tinubu cited “fundamental defects” as the reason for not signing the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill.
He criticised Section 21(2) of the bill, which permits the institute to take out loans or overdrafts without the president’s approval, with the exception of sums exceeding N50 million, pointing out that no explanation was given for revoking the presidential consent. This, he said, may be abused, resulting in grave financial infractions.
President Tinubu also questioned Section 23(4), which permits the institute to invest surplus cash, contending that the issue of investing surplus funds typically applies to agencies that are not funded by the federal government but generate revenue for spending.
Tinubu criticised the National Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill 2025, citing vagueness and conflicts with existing laws and practices, adding that it contradicted government policy regarding public agency funding, taxation, remuneration and public servant tenure limits, and warned that signing the law would be against public interest.
