President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign two bills recently passed by the National Assembly, citing inconsistencies with constitutional provisions and concerns over financial mismanagement.
In a letter dated July 30, 2025, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary, Tinubu outlined detailed reasons for withholding his assent to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the National Assembly Library Fund Bill.
Why Tinubu rejected the Nigerian Institute of Transport Bill
One of Tinubu’s main objections centered on the financial framework outlined in the transport technology bill. Specifically, he flagged Section 18(4a), which sought to allocate one percent of all import and export levies in Nigeria to fund the institute. According to the President, this clause was inserted without approval from the Federal Executive Council and could create an undue financial burden.
He further objected to Section 21(2), which authorizes the institute to borrow funds or take overdrafts of up to ₦50 million without presidential consent. Tinubu warned that this clause could be exploited to bypass executive oversight, encouraging financial abuse.
Concerns about financial management and legal conflicts
Tinubu noted that some sections of the bill contradict existing laws and best practices in public finance. For instance, Sections 23 and 24(5) allow the institute to invest surplus funds, even though the agency is meant to be federally funded and regulated.
He pointed out the contradiction in Section 18(2), which permits investments of funds despite its stated purpose of focusing resources on core institutional goals.
“These provisions are inconsistent with public finance management principles and lack adequate justification,” Tinubu stated.
The Library Fund Bill also rejected
In a separate communication, the President declined to assent to the National Assembly Library Fund Bill, stating that its proposed funding model would set an “unsustainable fiscal precedent.”
He expressed concern that allocating special funds for the National Assembly Library could lead to similar demands from other institutions, straining the national budget.
Reactions from the Senate and way forward
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the President’s concerns and commended the depth of analysis provided. He assured the chamber that the National Assembly would revisit the bills through relevant committees to address the constitutional and fiscal issues raised.
This isn’t the first time Tinubu has scrutinized bills over legal and budgetary integrity. His administration has consistently signaled a commitment to fiscal responsibility and legislative discipline.
Other bills Tinubu signed into law
Despite withholding assent from these two bills, President Tinubu has approved other legislative proposals. Most notably, he signed into law:
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The Nigeria Police Force Training Institute (Establishment) Bill
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The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill
These moves suggest a pattern of supporting well-structured, legally sound, and fiscally responsible legislation while rejecting those that pose governance or financial risks.
Final thoughts
President Tinubu’s rejection of these two bills highlights the complex relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of legislative diligence, constitutional alignment, and sound financial planning in drafting laws.
With the bills now returned to the National Assembly, attention will turn to whether lawmakers will amend and resubmit them — or allow them to lapse in the face of executive opposition.
