President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign a bill aimed at increasing the retirement age of civil servants working in the National Assembly by an additional five years. The bill sought to raise the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first, from the current 60 years of age or 35 years of service.
In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session, Tinubu did not provide specific reasons for withholding his assent. However, he commended the Senate for its “diligent work” in drafting the legislation.
“Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill,” the president wrote, adding that he hopes the decision is received with understanding.
Senate’s Changing Stance on the Bill
The Senate initially rejected the bill after a heated debate but later reversed its position and concurred with the House of Representatives, which had already passed a similar version of the bill.
The proposed legislation aimed to harmonize the retirement age for legislative officers in the National Assembly, extending their working years before retirement. However, Tinubu’s decision ultimately prevents this extension from taking effect.
Next Steps for the Bill
With the president’s rejection of the bill, it will now be up to the National Assembly to decide whether to revise the legislation or drop it entirely. Tinubu’s withholding of assent is in line with the powers granted to the president under the Nigerian Constitution.