President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined assent to the 2025 Amendment Bill seeking to transform the National Assembly Library Trust Fund into a National Assembly Resource Centre, citing constitutional, policy, and financial concerns.
In a letter addressed to the House of Representatives and read on the floor during Tuesday’s plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, President Tinubu acknowledged the bill’s good intentions but noted that several provisions conflict with existing federal laws and administrative frameworks.
“The bill is driven by noble goals,” the President wrote, “but some parts contradict current legal statutes and government policies.”
Among the specific issues raised were the bill’s proposed funding model and its implications for institutions under the National Assembly, federal taxation rules, public service salary structures, and provisions relating to age and tenure of service.
President Tinubu warned that enacting the bill in its current form could set “an unsustainable precedence” with potentially negative consequences for effective governance and the broader public interest.
While the letter did not detail the most contentious clauses, the President emphasized that the bill poses both legal and fiscal risks that could affect the wider public sector if not carefully addressed.
He, however, urged lawmakers to revise the bill to align with constitutional requirements and promote sound financial management.
“I trust the House of Representatives will take the necessary steps to address the issues identified,” Tinubu stated.
