The Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plant Fiscal Incentive and Guarantees Bill, which was passed by the last National Assembly for President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent has suffered a setback as the President declined his Assent.
This was made known yesterday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Senate), Senator Ita Enang while briefing journalists in Abuja. However, the Presidntial aide did not give any reasons why the bill was rejected.
Other bills passed by the eighth National Assembly but rejected by the President include Adeyemi Federal University of Education (Establishment) Bill, Federal University of Education Kano, Bill, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill, and Federal University of Education Zaria, Bill.
Suffering same fate were also the National Security Agencies Protection of Officers Identity Bill, Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency Bill, Environmental Managers Registration Council of Nigeria Bill.
Also rejected were, the Industrial Development Income Tax Act Amendment Bill, Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill, Animal Diseases Control Bill, Good Samaritans Bill, and the Chattered Institute of Directors of Nigeria Bill.
The list also included the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Establishment Bill, Federal University of Wukari (Establishment) Bill, Warehouse Receipt and Other Related Matters Bill, and the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency Bill and the Nigerian Film Commission Bill and the Proceeds of Crime Bill.
The President however assented to nine other bills to include the Police Trust Fund Act, Nigeria Natural Medicine Establishment Act, FCT Management Board and Health Insurance, Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Defence Bill.
Others are, Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria Bill, National Institute of Construction Technology and Management (Establishment) bill, National Agricultural Seed Council bill, Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment) and the FCT Primary Healthcare Board.
With the decline of Assent to the Automotive bill, the Auto policy announced by the federal government which is being partially implemented by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) remains uncertain.
Many industry players have criticised the partial implementation of the auto policy and called for legislative backing in order to attract desired international investors.
