From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to the Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the National Library Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025, citing fiscal inconsistencies and conflicts with existing government policies.
In two separate letters read at Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said that although the bills were well-intentioned, certain provisions could undermine accountability and prudent financial management.
On the Transport Technology Bill, the President faulted a proposed one per cent levy on freight imports and exports, describing it as an “unregulated revenue stream” outside the national budgetary framework.
He also expressed concerns over a clause allowing the institute to borrow up to ₦50 million without presidential approval, as well as another empowering it to invest appropriated government funds in securities — describing both provisions as “fiscally dangerous.”
Similarly, Tinubu objected to aspects of the Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill relating to taxation, funding mechanisms, staff remuneration, and tenure of service. He said several of the provisions clashed with existing federal laws and could set “unsustainable precedents” if enacted.
“I cannot grant presidential assent to the bill in its present form. I urge the Senate to revisit and address the identified issues,” the President wrote concerning the Library Trust Fund Bill.
In response, Senate President Akpabio directed the relevant committees to review and amend the two bills in line with the President’s observations. While the Transport Technology Bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole, the Library Trust Fund Bill was sent to the Committees on Special Duties and Establishment and Public Service Matters.
Akpabio commended Tinubu’s attention to detail, saying the move reflected the President’s commitment to ensuring fiscal discipline and coherence in legislative enactments.
