ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to two bills passed by the National Assembly, citing constitutional concerns and defects requiring correction. The affected bills are the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Bill. The Senate was notified through separate letters read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
On the Raw Materials Bill, Tinubu noted the bill’s long title inadequately reflected its principal objective of promoting development, protection and processing of Nigeria’s raw materials. He identified inconsistencies in Section 2, saying the bill presented the council’s functions as legislative objectives instead of operational responsibilities. The President further observed that provisions relating to value addition were inserted between sections dealing with finances and annual accounts, making the bill incoherent. “These erroneous insertions make the Bill incoherent and difficult to comprehend within the context of the Principal Act,” he stated.
On the Purchasing Institute Bill, Tinubu said some provisions sought to give the institute powers beyond its statutory mandate. He specifically objected to a provision requiring incorporated entities to notify the institute within one month of appointing a head of procurement. “The Institute, not being the regulator, cannot force incorporated entities or organisations that are independent and perhaps not registered members of the Institute to furnish such particulars,” the President stated. He also faulted provisions empowering the institute to inspect organizations, sanction employers and exercise compliance functions over entities established under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
The President indicated both bills could still receive assent after corrections: “Subject to the correction of the above issues, the Bill may be suitable for retransmission for assent.” Akpabio referred both communications to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, directing the panel to report back within four weeks. Under Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution, the President may withhold assent and return bills with observations. Lawmakers may amend in line with recommendations or override the veto.