President Bola Tinubu has withheld his assent to the harmonized version of a bill that sought to extend the service year of National Assembly staff by an additional five years. The proposed legislation aimed to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 years or extend the service length from 35 to 40 years, a move that sparked considerable debate within the legislature.

While the bill passed a third reading in the House of Representatives, it faced initial rejection in the Senate due to controversy among lawmakers. However, the Senate later reconsidered and passed the bill before transmitting it to the President for approval.

In a letter addressed to the National Assembly and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu explained his reasons for rejecting the bill, citing thorough examination and wide consultation. “Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill,” the President stated.

Tinubu emphasized that his decision was made under the constitutional powers vested in him, and he expressed his appreciation for the diligent work of the Senate in drafting and passing the bill. He added, “I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance.”

The bill’s rejection signals the President’s stance on maintaining the current retirement terms for National Assembly staff, which require retirement at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service.