Tinubu Rejects Transport Technology and Library Trust Fund Bills

Table of Contents

1. President Declines Assent
2. Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill
3. National Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill
4. Senate's Response

President Bola Tinubu has refused to approve two bills recently passed by the National Assembly, citing fiscal gaps, policy conflicts, and unsustainable provisions in public administration.

The bills in question are the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the National Library Trust Fund (Establishment, etc.) Amendment Bill, 2025.

Tinubu clarified in separate letters addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, which were read during the plenary session on Tuesday, that both bills included clauses that could jeopardize transparency, economic stability, and good governance if enacted as they currently stand.

Regarding the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill, the President expressed his disapproval of provisions that would impose unauthorized levies on trade, permit uncontrolled borrowing, and grant the authority to invest government appropriations in securities.

He specifically criticized Section 18(4a) of the bill, which proposed funding the institute through “1% of the freight on every import and export” without the approval of the Federal Executive Council, warning that such a levy would burden businesses and create an unregulated revenue stream outside the national budgetary framework.

The President also condemned Section 20, which permitted the institute to borrow up to N50 million without presidential consent, labeling it a loophole that could facilitate repeated borrowing below the threshold to bypass oversight.

Additionally, he referred to Sections 21 and 23, which empowered the institute to invest government-appropriated funds, as “fiscally dangerous,” emphasizing that the institute is not designed to be a revenue-generating agency.

“If these provisions are permitted, they would not only undermine fiscal discipline but also create opportunities for financial misconduct. For these reasons, I withhold my assent to the bill,” Tinubu stated.

Concerning the National Library Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, the President acknowledged that while the bill's objectives were commendable, certain provisions conflicted with established federal laws and policies.

He pointed out sections related to agency funding, taxation of national entities, staff remuneration, and tenure or age limits for service, cautioning that these could set a precedent that is “unsustainable and against the public interest.”

“For these reasons, I cannot grant presidential assent to the bill in its current form. I urge the Senate to revisit and address the identified concerns,” the President declared.

After the letters were read, the Senate President praised Tinubu’s thoroughness and directed the relevant committees to revise the affected bills.

“This illustrates the seriousness with which Mr. President reviews every piece of legislation we pass. It is now our duty to carefully address the issues he has raised,” Akpabio remarked.

He referred the Transport Technology Bill to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action, while the Library Trust Fund Bill was sent to the Committees on Special Duties and Establishment, and Public Service Matters for similar consideration.