President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined assent to two bills passed by the National Assembly, citing constitutional provisions and drafting deficiencies that require correction before they can become law.

The Senate was notified of the decision during Thursday’s plenary through two letters read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The affected bills are the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Bill. Tinubu said he withheld assent in line with Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

On the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Bill, the President said the proposed legislation contains structural inconsistencies, drafting errors and misplaced provisions that render it incoherent. He noted that the bill’s objectives and functions were improperly presented and advised that it be redrafted.

Tinubu also withheld assent to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Bill, arguing that some provisions sought to grant the institute regulatory and enforcement powers beyond its legal mandate. He faulted clauses requiring organisations to notify the institute of procurement appointments and empowering it to inspect and sanction entities established under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

The President, however, said the bill could be reconsidered once the identified defects are corrected.

Following the communications, Akpabio referred both bills to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, directing it to report back within one month. Under the Constitution, the National Assembly may amend the bills in line with the President’s observations or override the veto where necessary.