President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to sign the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill 2025 into law, citing legal inconsistencies and fiscal concerns.
In a letter addressed to Abbas Tajudeen, speaker of the House of Representatives, the president noted that while the bill is well-meaning, it contains elements that contravene existing federal legislation and policy frameworks.
“While the bill pursues commendable objectives, some of its provisions are inconsistent with established laws and policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Tinubu wrote.
He raised objections to the proposed funding mechanisms, including taxation involving federal entities, as well as clauses related to public service remuneration, and age and tenure limits.
The President warned that assenting to the bill in its current form could set a “problematic legal precedent.”
Tinubu has urged lawmakers to revise the bill in a manner that aligns with constitutional provisions and the nation’s fiscal policies.
The amendment seeks to broaden the mandate of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund and introduce alternative funding structures. With the President’s refusal, the bill is expected to return to the National Assembly for reconsideration, where lawmakers may opt to revise or override the decision.
About the bill
The bill is aimed at providing a legal framework on the management of a special intervention fund for the enhancement of the research skills and re-training of legislators and staff of the National Assembly, and the provision of state of the art library for the National Assembly.
The National Assembly Trust Fund will be funded by take-off and special intervention fund provided by the Federal Government, money appropriated in the budget by the National Assembly for the purpose of this bill, as well as aides, grants, donations, endowments, gifts, resources, land or any other property from various sources, including money derived from investment made by the Trust Fund.
The bill establishes a Board of Trustees for the Trust Fund, which consists of the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, immediate past presiding officers of the National Assembly, Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the Committees in both houses of the National Assembly charged with overseeing the Library and immediate past Chairmen of such Committees.
