President Bola Tinubu has rejected a bill that aimed to increase the retirement age for civil servants working at the National Assembly. In a letter addressed to the Senate President on Tuesday, Tinubu outlined his reasons for not signing the bill into law.

Tinubu Declines Bill to Extend Retirement Age for National Assembly Staff

According to GistReel, the Senate initially rejected the bill in February after a lengthy debate but later reversed its decision and approved a similar proposal from the House of Representatives.

The bill sought to raise the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first. Currently, the law mandates retirement at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service.

While declining the bill, Tinubu praised the Senate for the “diligent work” involved in drafting and passing it. His letter read:

“I write in respect of the harmonized 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. 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 will be received with understanding and acceptance.”

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