President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown out the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025, citing major legal and fiscal concerns that could disrupt public sector governance.
In a letter addressed to the House of Representatives and read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Tuesday’s plenary, Tinubu acknowledged the bill’s intention to improve library services and legislative research but flagged critical sections that conflict with existing federal laws and policies.
According to the President, the bill—if passed in its current form—would interfere with:
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Fund management structures for National Assembly agencies
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Application of taxes to national entities
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Civil service salary and retirement regulations
“These areas, if not carefully handled, could set a dangerous precedent for how government institutions are structured and managed,” Tinubu warned.
While he stopped short of listing every problematic clause, Tinubu emphasized that the overall framework of the bill contradicts Nigeria’s legal and administrative standards.
The bill, originally intended to enhance the operations and funding of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, will now be returned to lawmakers for possible revision or override.
Observers say the rejection could delay much-needed upgrades to the library’s research infrastructure but also shows Tinubu’s firm stance on policy compliance and fiscal discipline.
As the National Assembly weighs its next move, analysts suggest the President’s concerns could trigger a broader debate on how legislative institutions manage internally generated revenue and special-purpose funds.
