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President Bola Tinubu has rejected a bill seeking to increase the retirement age of civil servants working in the National Assembly by an additional five years.
The president, however, did not give any reasons for his decision, which was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on the floor during plenary.
The bill specifically sought to increase the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first.
The existing law prescribes 60 years of age or 35 years of service for retirement.
Tinubu commended the Senate for the “diligent work,” it put into drafting and passing the bill.
Part of the President’s letter read, “I write in respect of the harmonised 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 would be received with understanding and acceptance."
