Nigeria’s President cites legal inconsistencies and constitutional flaws as lawmakers face fresh scrutiny over legislative process
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to assent to two bills passed by the National Assembly, citing constitutional concerns and provisions he said were inconsistent with the nation’s supreme law.
The decision, announced by the presidency, highlights renewed debate over the relationship between Nigeria’s executive and legislative arms, as lawmakers continue efforts to introduce new laws aimed at addressing various national challenges.
According to officials familiar with the matter, President Tinubu’s refusal was based on identified constitutional defects contained in the proposed legislations. The president is expected to return the bills to the National Assembly with explanations outlining the areas requiring review and possible amendments.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, the president has the authority to withhold assent to bills passed by parliament if they are considered inconsistent with existing laws or contain provisions that raise legal concerns. Lawmakers can either make adjustments and return the bills for approval or attempt to override the presidential veto through the constitutional process.
The development comes as the National Assembly faces increasing calls to ensure that new legislations undergo thorough constitutional review before passage.
Analysts say the president’s decision reflects the importance of maintaining legislative processes that align with Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, while others argue that stronger collaboration between the executive and parliament is needed to avoid delays in implementing critical reforms.
The presidency has not yet disclosed the full details of the two rejected bills, but further discussions between lawmakers and government officials are expected as both sides seek to resolve the constitutional issues surrounding the proposed legislations.
