In a significant development in Nigeria’s legislative landscape, President Bola Tinubu has withheld his assent to two bills recently passed by the National Assembly. The bills in question are the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Establishment Bill 2025 and the National Library Trust Fund Establishment Amendment Bill 2025. This decision was formally communicated through two separate letters addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and read during a plenary session on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. President Tinubu’s refusal to sign these bills into law stems from what he described as fundamental defects and contradictions in their provisions, which he believes could undermine public interest and fiscal responsibility.
Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Establishment Bill 2025
The first bill, which sought to establish the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, was rejected by President Tinubu due to several critical issues he identified in its provisions. In his letter to the Senate, the President outlined his concerns, emphasizing that the bill contains "fundamental defects" that could lead to financial mismanagement and operational inefficiencies if enacted in its current form.
Key Concerns Raised by President Tinubu
Funding Mechanism and Lack of Approval
One of the primary issues highlighted by the President is Section 18 of the bill, which proposes to fund the National Transport Logistics Research through a one percent freight charge on every import and export in Nigeria. President Tinubu noted that this funding mechanism was introduced without proper approval, raising concerns about its legality and feasibility. He argued that imposing such a levy without clear authorization could lead to financial irregularities and create an undue burden on Nigeria’s import and export sectors.
Additionally, the President pointed out that the bill’s funding structure conflicts with the Federal Executive Council’s position, particularly since the institute is intended to be funded directly by the Federal Government. This overlap in funding sources, according to Tinubu, creates ambiguity and could lead to inefficiencies in resource allocation.
Borrowing Powers Without Presidential Oversight
Another significant concern raised by the President is Section 21(2) of the bill, which grants the proposed institute the authority to borrow funds through loans or overdrafts without the consent of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, provided the amount is below N50 million. In the extant legal framework, such borrowing requires presidential approval, and Tinubu questioned the rationale for removing this oversight. He warned that this provision could be abused, potentially leading to "serious financial abuse" and undermining accountability in the institute’s operations.
Surplus Funds and Investment Contradictions
President Tinubu also drew attention to Sections 21 and 23(4) of the bill, which address the management of surplus funds. He noted that since the institute is to be funded by federal appropriations, which are typically planned and accounted for, it is unlikely to generate surplus funds. The President argued that the concept of surplus funds is more applicable to agencies that generate their own revenue independently of government funding.
Furthermore, he highlighted a contradiction between Sections 21 and 23. While Section 21 specifies that only surplus funds should be invested, Section 23 allows the institute to invest "any of its funds," which could include funds allocated for other purposes. This discrepancy, according to Tinubu, could lead to the diversion of funds from their original objectives, potentially compromising the institute’s core functions.
Ambiguity in Fund Application
The President also pointed out a contradiction between Section 18 and Section 23 of the bill. Section 18 mandates that funds in the institute’s possession be used to promote the objectives and functions outlined in the act. However, it does not explicitly allow for the investment of these funds, which conflicts with Section 23’s provision for investing surplus funds. This ambiguity, Tinubu argued, could create confusion in the institute’s financial management and undermine its operational efficiency.
Broader Implications
President Tinubu’s decision to decline assent to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Establishment Bill 2025 reflects his administration’s commitment to ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency in public institutions. By rejecting provisions that could lead to financial mismanagement or abuse, the President is signaling a cautious approach to legislative reforms that impact Nigeria’s economic and governance frameworks. The concerns raised about the bill’s funding mechanisms, borrowing powers, and investment provisions underscore the need for clearer and more robust legal frameworks to guide the establishment of new institutions.
National Library Trust Fund Establishment Amendment Bill 2025
The second bill declined by President Tinubu is the National Library Trust Fund Establishment Amendment Bill 2025. In his letter to the Senate, the President cited ambiguities and contradictions with existing laws and government policies as the basis for his decision. He argued that enacting the bill in its current form would set an "unsustainable precedent" that could undermine public interest and conflict with core government priorities.
Key Issues Identified
Conflict with Government Policies
President Tinubu noted that the bill contradicts several key government policies, including those related to the funding of public agencies, taxation, public service remuneration, and age and tenure limits for public servants. While the specific details of these contradictions were not fully elaborated in the letter, the President emphasized that the bill’s provisions are misaligned with the administration’s broader policy objectives.
Unsustainable Precedent
The President expressed concern that passing the bill in its current form could create a precedent that is financially and administratively unsustainable. For instance, the proposed amendments to the National Library Trust Fund could impose additional financial burdens on the government or lead to inefficiencies in the management of public resources. Tinubu argued that such a precedent would be detrimental to the public interest and could complicate efforts to streamline government operations.
Ambiguity in Provisions
The President also highlighted ambiguities in the bill’s language that could lead to misinterpretation or misapplication. These ambiguities, he argued, make it difficult to align the bill with existing legal frameworks and government policies, further justifying his decision to withhold assent.
Implications for Public Policy
The rejection of the National Library Trust Fund Establishment Amendment Bill 2025 underscores the Tinubu administration’s focus on ensuring that legislative reforms are consistent with national priorities and fiscal realities. By declining to sign a bill that could create operational and financial challenges, the President is prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term legislative gains. This decision also highlights the importance of thorough consultation and alignment between the executive and legislative arms of government to avoid conflicts in policy implementation.
Senate’s Response
Following the reading of President Tinubu’s letters in the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, commended the President for his thorough review of the bills. Akpabio noted that the executive’s careful scrutiny of the legislation demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that laws passed by the National Assembly are in the best interest of the Nigerian people. He assured that the Senate would address the President’s observations and work to refine the bills to address the identified concerns.
“We will do justice to all the observations in the bill,” Akpabio stated, signaling the Senate’s willingness to engage in further deliberations to resolve the issues raised by the President. This collaborative approach between the executive and legislative branches is essential for fostering effective governance and ensuring that laws reflect the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
Broader Context and Significance
President Tinubu’s decision to decline assent to these bills is a notable exercise of his constitutional powers under Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which allows the President to withhold assent to bills passed by the National Assembly. This action underscores the importance of checks and balances in Nigeria’s democratic system, ensuring that proposed legislation undergoes rigorous scrutiny before becoming law.
The rejection of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Establishment Bill and the National Library Trust Fund Establishment Amendment Bill also highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s legislative process, particularly the need for greater clarity and alignment in the drafting of bills. By identifying specific defects and contradictions, President Tinubu is encouraging lawmakers to prioritize precision, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in their legislative proposals.
Moreover, this development reflects the Tinubu administration’s broader commitment to reforming Nigeria’s public sector institutions. By emphasizing fiscal discipline, accountability, and alignment with national policies, the President is signaling a proactive approach to governance that seeks to address longstanding issues in public administration.
Conclusion
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to withhold assent to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Establishment Bill 2025 and the National Library Trust Fund Establishment Amendment Bill 2025 is a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative process. By citing fundamental defects, contradictions with existing policies, and potential risks to public interest, the President has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that laws are robust, transparent, and aligned with national priorities. The Senate’s response, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, indicates a willingness to address these concerns and refine the bills to meet the required standards. As Nigeria continues to navigate complex governance challenges, this interplay between the executive and legislative branches underscores the importance of collaboration and scrutiny in shaping the nation’s legal and institutional frameworks.
