The African Leadership Strategy and Transparency for Development Initiative has raised constitutional concerns over the bill seeking to establish the Chartered Institute of Digital Forensics of Nigeria, warning that any presidential assent outside the legally prescribed timeframe would violate the Constitution.
The civil society organisation, which focuses on accountability, transparency, and good governance, said the bill was transmitted to President Bola Tinubu through the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly under a covering letter dated February 23, 2026, and was received by the Presidency on February 25, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by its Executive Director and Convener, Nelson Ossaieze, ALSDI noted that Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), mandates the President to signify assent or withhold assent to any bill within 30 days of receipt.
According to the group, the constitutional window for presidential action on the Digital Forensics Institute Bill expired on March 25, 2026.
“This position is clear, definitive, and not open to manipulation or administrative discretion. The bill in question is now statute-barred. Any attempt to grant assent outside the constitutionally prescribed timeframe would amount to a direct violation of the Constitution and a dangerous precedent for executive overreach,” the statement said.
ALSDI expressed concern over reports suggesting that promoters of the bill were allegedly seeking to influence the assent process despite the expiration of the constitutional timeline. The organisation described such actions as unacceptable, warning that they could undermine constitutional authority and weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
“It undermines the authority of the Constitution and erodes public trust in democratic institutions,” the group stated.
The organisation further recalled that during the public hearing at the National Assembly, the bill faced strong opposition from several key stakeholders within Nigeria’s security, regulatory, and anti-corruption ecosystem.
Among institutions said to have raised concerns were the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
ALSDI noted that the alignment of these critical national institutions against the bill raised serious questions about its necessity, structure, and overall alignment with the public interest.
The group urged President Tinubu to uphold constitutional principles by refraining from granting assent outside the stipulated period, stressing the importance of safeguarding democratic processes.
It advised promoters of the proposed institute to return to the National Assembly and initiate a fresh legislative process that complies fully with constitutional provisions and incorporates broader stakeholder engagement.
According to ALSDI, adherence to due process remains essential to preserving the rule of law and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s legislative and governance systems.
