President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign the 2025 National Assembly Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill, citing inconsistencies with current federal laws and policies that could lead to legal and financial issues. The President’s decision to reject the bill was conveyed in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abass during the House of Representatives plenary
President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign the 2025 National Assembly Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill, citing inconsistencies with current federal laws and policies that could lead to legal and financial issues.
The President’s decision to reject the bill was conveyed in a letter read by Speaker Tajudeen Abass during the House of Representatives plenary session.
The president praised the lawmakers for their efforts and the well-intentioned bill but declined to assent it into law due to conflicting provisions with established laws, stating it would set a bad precedent.
“Though the bill has commendable goals, some provisions conflict with existing Nigerian laws and policies.” President Tinubu highlighted aspects of the bill related to National Assembly funding mechanisms, public service pay, national taxes, and age requirements.
The bill, which was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly earlier this year, aims to amend the existing Act that established the National Assembly Library Trust Fund. The bill intends to enhance and expand the Trust Fund by improving the funding mechanism for legislative research and supporting other relevant expenses.
The bill seeks to expand the National Assembly Library Trust Fund into a comprehensive resource centre, enhancing support for legislative functions through improved financing and operational frameworks and providing information on personnel employment.
The Speaker of the House urged lawmakers to take action on the legislative issues.
The letter reads, “I write to inform you of my decision to decline assent to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Establishment (Amendment) Bill 2025.
“Notwithstanding the laudable objectives of the legislation, certain provisions contained therein go against the extant law and policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria as it relates to funding of agencies under the National Assembly, taxation of national entities, public service remuneration, as well as age and year of service, among others.
“If this bill becomes law, these provisions will establish an unsustainable precedent against the public interest.” He added that due to the reason given, “I will not be granting presidential assent to the bill.”
