Tinubu withholds assent to NASS L Trust Fund

…Cites legal, fiscal concerns NASS to Tinubu

By Christiana Ekpa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to sign the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill, 2025 into law, citing constitutional, policy, and fiscal concerns.

The bill, which seeks to transform the National Assembly Library Trust Fund into the National Assembly Resource Centre, was returned to the House of Representatives on Monday with a formal letter from the President, read at plenary by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

The President, While acknowledging the bill’s good intentions, President Tinubu raised reservations about certain provisions, describing them as inconsistent with existing federal statutes and administrative policies.

“While the bill pursues commendable objectives, some of its provisions are inconsistent with established laws and policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the President wrote.

Among the areas of concern highlighted were the proposed funding structure for institutions under the National Assembly, taxation of federal entities, remuneration issues within the public service, and clauses relating to age and service limits.

Although the letter did not go into detail on the most contentious provisions, President Tinubu emphasized that the bill, as currently drafted, poses legal and fiscal risks with potential ripple effects across the public sector.

“I trust the House of Representatives will take appropriate steps to resolve the issues identified in this legislation,” Tinubu stated.

The amendment bill, which intends to strengthen the law establishing the National Assembly Library Trust Fund by proposing new funding strategies and expanding its mandate, will now return to the legislature for further deliberation, amendment, or potential override.