President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined assent to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025, citing constitutional breaches, policy conflicts, and financial concerns.
The bill, which aims to convert the existing National Assembly Library Trust Fund into a broader institution known as the National Assembly Resource Centre, was sent back to the House of Representatives on Monday. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen read the President’s letter during plenary.
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In his communication to the lawmakers, Tinubu acknowledged the bill’s objectives as “commendable” but warned that several of its provisions clash with existing federal laws and administrative guidelines.
“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 wrote.
He raised red flags on several key aspects of the bill, including its funding model for institutions under the National Assembly, taxation mechanisms affecting federal entities, remuneration structures for public service personnel, and stipulations concerning age and service tenure.
According to Tinubu, if passed in its current form, the bill could set “an unsustainable precedence” with long-term implications for the smooth operation of government and the public sector at large.
While the letter did not spell out all the contentious sections, Tinubu stressed that the bill, as drafted, could pose both legal and fiscal risks with the potential for wider consequences across public institutions.
“I trust the House of Representatives will take appropriate steps to resolve the issues identified in this legislation,” he stated.
The amendment seeks to overhaul the framework of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund by expanding its responsibilities and introducing new financial strategies.
However, with the President’s rejection, the proposed legislation will now return to the National Assembly for further review, possible amendments, or, if lawmakers deem necessary, an override of the President’s decision.
