Tinubu rejects extension to parliamentary workers’ retirement age

President Bola Tinubu yesterday rejected the harmonised version of the bill which aims to extend the service year of the National Assembly staff to additional five years.

The bill sought to increase the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service from the current 60 years of age or 35 years of service for retirement.

Though the bill had passed third reading in the House of Representatives, the Senate had rejected it earlier sequel to a controversy it generated among lawmakers.

However, it was later reconsidered and passed by the Red Chamber and was then transmitted to the President for his assent.

READ ALSO: FOMWAN urges President Tinubu to address Nigeria’s rising food prices, insecurity

The bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who argued that extension of the retirement age of parliamentary workers would help to protect institutional memory needed in the National Assembly.

He said he drew inspiration for the bill from what obtains in more developed countries, such the United States and the United Kingdom.

In rejection of the bill, the President said: “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. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the diligent work of the Senate as regards the drafting and passage of this bill.

“However, I trust that this decision would be received with understanding and acceptance.”

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