President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to give his assent to two legislative proposals recently passed by the National Assembly, citing significant flaws in both bills.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the bills in question are the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Establishment Bill, 2025, and the National Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025.
The President communicated his decision in two separate letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The correspondence was read aloud during Tuesday’s plenary session.
In his message regarding the bill proposing the creation of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Tinubu raised concerns over several provisions, describing the legislation as “tainted with fundamental defects.”
He explained:
> “I convey to the Senate my decision to decline assent to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill 2025. The rationale for my decision is that the bill is tainted with fundamental defects.”
One major point of contention was Section 18, which suggests that 1% of every import and export freight into and out of Nigeria be directed to fund national transport logistics research—without formal consent from stakeholders. Tinubu warned this could lead to legal and operational complications.
He also flagged Section 21(2) of the bill, which empowers the institute to secure loans or overdrafts up to ₦50 million without presidential approval, a significant shift from the current law which mandates such borrowing must be approved by the President.
> “The removal of the President’s approval has not been explained or justified,” he added. “The provision could be abused… This will amount to serious financial abuse.”
Further issues were identified in Section 23(4), which permits the investment of the institute’s funds, including potentially funds not classified as surplus.
> “The issue of investing surplus funds is usually applicable to agencies that are not funded by the Federal Government,” the President noted. “Allowing the institute to invest any of its funds—surplus or otherwise—creates a risk of diversion from its core objectives.”
In response to the National Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025, Tinubu pointed out that the proposed changes clash with existing government policies related to public agency funding, taxation, civil service remuneration, and tenure.
He argued that enacting the bill as presented would contradict established administrative practices and potentially set an unsustainable precedent.
Senate President Akpabio acknowledged the President’s detailed feedback and commended the executive for its diligence.
> “This is very impressive,” Akpabio said. “It shows the executive is taking time to thoroughly review the bills. We will do justice to all the observations raised.”
