Tinubu Rejects National Assembly Library Trust Fund Bill, Cites Policy Conflicts

…Says Provisions Contradict Federal Laws, Sets Unsustainable Precedent

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally declined to sign the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025, into law, citing multiple conflicts with existing federal policies and legal frameworks.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the President’s decision was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. The letter was read during plenary on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

 

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In his message to lawmakers, Tinubu acknowledged the bill’s noble intent to enhance legislative research infrastructure but noted that several provisions contained in the draft legislation clash with current governance policies and statutory provisions.

Tinubu Flags Multiple Legal and Fiscal Concerns

According to the President, the proposed bill introduces clauses related to:

• Funding mechanisms for agencies under the National Assembly
• Taxation of national entities
• Remuneration structures in the public service
• Age and years of service thresholds for public servants

Tinubu warned that allowing such provisions to stand would establish a “perilous and unsustainable precedent” that could undermine fiscal responsibility and legal uniformity within government operations.

“Despite the commendable objectives of the legislation, certain provisions within it contradict the established laws and policies of the federal government… If this bill becomes law, these provisions will establish an unsustainable precedent against the public interest,” the President stated.

Presidency Urges Reconsideration

As a result, the President informed the House that he would withhold his assent to the legislation in its current form. He urged the lawmakers to review and amend the contentious sections in line with national interest and federal policy standards.

“I hope that the House of Representatives will take necessary steps to fix the identified issues with the legislation,” the letter added.

The National Assembly Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill, 2025, is aimed at improving the institutional framework and sustainable financing of the legislative library system. It was expected to enhance research support for lawmakers and promote access to information across legislative arms.