In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu has rejected the harmonized bill seeking to extend the service year of National Assembly staff by five years.
The bill aimed to increase the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, up from the current 60 years or 35 years.
Tinubu’s decision was based on thorough examination and wide consultation. In a letter to lawmakers, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu stated, “Upon thorough examination and careful consultation, I have decided to withhold my assent to the bill.” He appreciated the Senate’s diligent work but trusted his decision would be received with understanding.
The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, initially passed the House of Representatives but was rejected by the Senate due to controversy. It was later reconsidered and passed by the Red Chamber before being sent to the President.
Proponents argued that extending the retirement age would protect institutional memory in the National Assembly, citing examples from developed countries like the US and UK. However, opponents, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Ali Ndume, and Mohammed Dandutse, opposed the bill.
Nigeria’s unemployment rate stands at 33.3%, with 53% of youths jobless. Critics argue that increasing the retirement age would worsen the situation, while others see it as a means to manage pension matters and retirement-related wage bills.
Human rights lawyer M.O. Idam had urged Tinubu to reject the bill, citing potential harm to the nation’s workforce. With the President’s veto, the bill’s future remains uncertain.
