President Bola Tinubu has declined to sign a bill seeking to increase the retirement age of civil servants working in the national assembly.
News About Nigeria reports that the president decided not to in the letter on Tuesday but did not give reasons for his decision.
The proposed legislation seeks to adjust the retirement terms for national assembly staff, raising the eligibility age to 65 or granting retirement after 40 years of service, whichever comes first.
The existing law prescribes 60 years of age or 35 years of service for retirement.
Tinubu commended the Senate for the “diligent work” it put into drafting and passing the bill.
“I write in respect of the harmonised retirement age for legislative officers of the national assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria bill passed by the national assembly and forwarded to me for assent,” Tinubu said in a letter.
“Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.
“This decision is made in accordance with the powers vested in me by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“However, I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance.”
In February, the Senate threw out the bill after a protracted debate. However, it made a U-turn and concurred with a similar bill passed by the House of Representatives.
The bill, which has been passed by the House of Representatives, is seeking to increase the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first.
The existing law prescribes 60 years of age or 35 years of service for retirement
