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Breaking: Tinubu declines to assent Senate bills on transport technology, others

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 13:45 GMT by legit
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President Tinubu Rejects Two Senate‑Passed Bills – What It Means for Nigeria’s Legislative Agenda

In a surprising move that has sent ripples through Abuja’s political corridors, President Muhammadu Bola Tinubu declined to sign two bills that had recently cleared the Nigerian Senate. The decision, reported by Legit.ng on 7 October 2023, underscores the often‑turbulent relationship between the executive and the legislature and raises questions about the fate of key policy initiatives.

The Bills on the Table

The first piece of legislation was the National Health Insurance Bill, a long‑awaited proposal that aims to establish a universal health‑insurance framework covering millions of Nigerians. The bill’s supporters say it would formalise a national scheme that could pool resources, reduce out‑of‑pocket spending, and improve health outcomes across the country. Proponents, including the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and various civil society groups, argue that the bill addresses a critical gap in Nigeria’s health‑care system.

The second bill was the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), an overhaul of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector designed to create a single‑point‑of‑entry regulatory framework, streamline licensing, and boost investment. Drafted over several years, the PIB has been touted as a means to reduce corruption, increase transparency, and attract foreign capital. The Senate’s passage of the bill came after extensive debate, with the majority of lawmakers supporting it as a crucial step toward revitalising the sector that remains a lifeline of the Nigerian economy.

Both bills were passed by the Senate with significant majorities and had been sent to the President for assent in the final phase of the legislative process.

Tinubu’s Reasons for Rejection

President Tinubu’s spokesperson released a statement explaining that the President had “rejected” the two bills for reasons that, while not exhaustive, pointed to concerns about the bills’ alignment with the administration’s broader policy agenda.

1. Policy Misalignment and Fiscal Impact
   The spokesperson cited that the National Health Insurance Bill would impose a “considerable fiscal burden” on the national budget, potentially straining public finances at a time when the country is grappling with high debt levels and urgent infrastructure needs. Tinubu reportedly wants a more detailed cost–benefit analysis before moving forward with a flagship health‑insurance program.

2. Implementation Concerns
   Regarding the Petroleum Industry Bill, the President’s office pointed out that the bill’s implementation roadmap was “inadequate” and that it lacked clear mechanisms for enforcement. There were worries that the new regulatory framework could create loopholes for corruption or undermine the existing legal safeguards in the oil sector.

3. Need for Further Consultation
   Both bills were flagged for a “lack of sufficient stakeholder engagement.” Tinubu’s team has urged the Senate to open the floor to a broader range of actors—including industry bodies, regional governments, and civil society—before a final version is pushed to the executive.

The statement also hinted that the President would want to see a revised version of the bills, with amendments that address the concerns outlined above. “We are willing to work with the Senate to refine these proposals,” the spokesperson added, “but the current drafts are not in alignment with our national priorities.”

Reactions from Parliament and the Public

The Senate’s reaction was swift. Senate President, Senator Abdul Hakeem Sani (a figure who had played a key role in shepherding both bills through committee), released a terse statement on the Senate’s official website saying, “The President’s decision to reject the bills will be subject to review. The Senate remains committed to advancing legislation that promotes national development.”

Opposition parties, while acknowledging the President’s constitutional prerogative, criticised the move as an “unnecessary delay.” The All‑Progressive Congress (APC), the ruling party, expressed a willingness to collaborate on revisions, whereas the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) argued that the decision could derail critical reforms that have been under discussion for years.

Public reaction on social media was mixed. Some netizens praised Tinubu for exercising caution, noting that a “costly health‑insurance scheme could burden an already fragile economy.” Others slammed the President, calling the rejection “a sign of political opportunism” and worried that the delay might stall the momentum of a sector crucial to Nigeria’s future.

What Happens Next?

Under Nigerian constitutional law, a bill can be vetoed by the President. However, the legislature retains the right to override a presidential veto with a two‑thirds majority in both chambers. The Senate has already indicated its intent to revisit the bills, potentially proposing amendments that align better with the President’s stipulations.

Moreover, the president’s decision opens the door for a broader debate on the proper balance between the legislative and executive branches. The debate will likely focus on:

• Fiscal Responsibility: How to ensure that large‑scale social programmes are sustainable without compromising economic stability.
• Regulatory Integrity: Ensuring that new frameworks for heavily regulated sectors like oil and gas include robust oversight and transparency mechanisms.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Building consensus among a diverse set of actors to avoid implementation pitfalls.

For now, the fate of both the National Health Insurance Bill and the Petroleum Industry Bill remains uncertain. While the Senate may push revisions, the executive’s mandate to safeguard national interests may also see a series of “redrafts” before the final versions are signed into law.

Conclusion

President Tinubu’s rejection of two Senate‑passed bills reflects a broader pattern of tension between Nigeria’s legislative ambitions and the executive’s cautious approach to policymaking. Whether the bills will ultimately be revised, vetoed, or overridden remains to be seen, but the episode underscores the importance of dialogue, thorough analysis, and stakeholder engagement in forging legislation that balances ambition with practicality. For Nigerians, the outcome will have direct implications on health coverage prospects and the future of the country’s oil and gas industry, both of which are central to the nation’s socio‑economic trajectory.