Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign the harmonized bill that sought to extend the service years of National Assembly staff, which proposed raising the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service. Under the current law, staff are required to retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service.
The bill, which had sparked controversy, passed the House of Representatives and was initially rejected by the Senate before being reconsidered and passed by the Red Chamber. Despite its approval by both legislative houses, the president withheld his assent, citing thorough examination and wide consultation.
In a letter addressed to the Senate and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu explained his decision: “Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.”
The president expressed appreciation for the Senate’s efforts in drafting the bill but emphasized that his decision was based on constitutional powers. He concluded, “I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance.”
The move has drawn attention, with many awaiting the next steps from the National Assembly following the president’s refusal.