KEY POINTS
- Tinubu rejects the bill to raise the retirement age for National Assembly staff.
- The current retirement age remains 60 years or 35 years of service.
- The decision followed consultations and aligns with constitutional power
The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu rejected a bill seeking to extend the retirement age of civil servants in the National Assembly.
President Tinubu turned down the bill, which aimed to raise the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first, in a letter sent to the Senate on Tuesday.
Currently, civil servants retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service. The Senate initially voted down the bill in February after a nine-hour debate but later passed a similar version introduced by the House of Representatives.
While Tinubu praised the Senate for its diligent work on the bill, he explained that, after careful consultation and analysis, he chose not to approve it. “I write in respect of the harmonized retirement age for legislative officers of the National Assembly bill passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to me for assent,” Tinubu stated.
Reasons for rejection
President Tinubu revealed that he consulted widely before making his decision to withhold approval of the bill. He commended the Senate’s efforts and emphasized that he made this decision in accordance with his constitutional powers. He hopes the public will understand his decision.
“I made this decision using the powers granted to me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I trust the public will understand and accept it,” Tinubu said.
Additionally, he expressed confidence, stating, “I trust the public will understand and accept this decision.”
Above all, the rejection has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders, with some applauding Tinubu’s move while others expected a change that would allow National Assembly staff to work more years.
Debate on retirement age
Proponents of raising the retirement age argue that keeping experienced civil servants longer in the workforce would benefit governance. However, some have raised concerns about the financial and structural impact of extending service periods.
For now, the existing retirement age of 60 years or 35 years of service remains unchanged for National Assembly workers. It is yet to be seen whether the bill will be reintroduced or further amended.
