President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign into law a controversial bill seeking to extend the service tenure and retirement age of legislative officers at the National Assembly and the 36 state Houses of Assembly. The bill proposed raising the service years from 35 to 40 and increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65.
The president’s decision was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the Senate’s plenary session on Tuesday. Tinubu cited thorough examination and careful consideration as the basis for withholding his assent.
“Upon thorough examination and careful consideration, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill,” the letter from the president stated. “This decision is made by the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the diligent work of the Senate with regard to the drafting and passage of this Bill. I hope you will receive it with understanding.”
The bill, which has faced resistance in previous legislative sessions, was first introduced during the 7th Assembly and later reintroduced to the 9th Assembly, where it met with opposition. Earlier this year, in February 2024, the bill was stepped down for further research and consultation after a significant number of senators voted against it.
Despite its passage in the 10th Senate, Tinubu’s refusal to give assent highlights lingering concerns over the extension of service years and retirement age for legislative officers.
Senate President Akpabio presided over the session, which marked the resumption of legislative proceedings after an eight-week recess.