- Both contained clauses that threaten transparency, economic stability, and accountability
- Tinubu warned that such a levy would burden businesses
- Senate would work closely with the executive to resolve the identified issues
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu refused to sign two National Assembly bills, as announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing provisions that contradict laws, weaken fiscal discipline, and set unsustainable precedents in governance.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Tinubu stated that while he appreciated the intentions behind the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and the National Library Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025, both contained clauses that threaten transparency, economic stability, and accountability.
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On the Transport Technology Bill, the President objected to provisions authorizing levies on imports and exports, unrestricted borrowing, and investing public funds in securities.
He criticized Section 18(4a), which proposed funding the institute through one percent of freight on every import and export without approval from the Federal Executive Council.
Tinubu warned that such a levy would burden businesses and create an unregulated revenue stream outside the national budget. He also faulted Section 20, which allowed the institute to borrow up to fifty million naira without presidential approval, calling it a potential loophole for abuse.
The President further described Sections 21 and 23, which allowed the institute to invest appropriated funds, as fiscally dangerous and inconsistent with public finance rules. He stressed that the agency was not designed to operate as a revenue-generating body.
On the Library Trust Fund Amendment Bill, Tinubu acknowledged its noble goals but highlighted conflicts with existing federal policies on taxation, staff remuneration, and tenure limits. He cautioned that some provisions could create an unsustainable precedent in public administration.
After reading the letters, Senate President Akpabio commended Tinubu for his detailed review and directed the affected committees to revise the bills accordingly.
He emphasized that the Senate would work closely with the executive to resolve the identified issues.
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