Senate Reopens Two Bills Returned by Tinubu

The Senate has rescinded its earlier decisions on two amendment bills returned by President Bola Tinubu for reconsideration following concerns raised by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The bills are the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, during plenary on Tuesday.

According to the motion, both bills had been considered and passed by the National Assembly before being transmitted to the president for assent.

However, the Federal Ministry of Justice identified fundamental issues with the proposed legislation, prompting Tinubu to return the bills to the National Assembly with observations for further legislative consideration.

The motion disclosed that a technical committee comprising representatives of the Senate, House of Representatives, the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had been constituted to examine and resolve the identified issues.

It said the reconsideration was necessary to ensure legal clarity, consistency and proper drafting of the proposed amendments.

Relying on Orders 1(b) and 52(6) of its Standing Orders, the Senate resolved to rescind its earlier decisions on the bills and recommit them to the Committee of the Whole for comprehensive reconsideration.

The decision allows lawmakers to revisit the proposed amendments, address the concerns raised by the president and make necessary adjustments before taking further legislative action.