The sum of N37 billion has been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the renovation of the National Assembly complex.
WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the said amount which is included in the 2020 budget is however not part of the N128 billion allocated for the National Assembly for next year. The money is instead part of the 2020 budget of the Federal Capital Development Administration.
While reacting to the new development, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan stated that there has been no major renovation of the National Assembly building for 20 years and many parts of the property had become dilapidated.
“We met the president and (it was) related the condition of the complex. The president responded and said he was going to renovate the complex. The phase one renovation will commence the chambers and committee rooms in the white house.
“N37 billion was sourced and was given. It was put under the FCT, not national Assembly. All we required is to have the complex renovated.
“When we are through with phase 1, we will go to phase 2. It is not under the control of the National Assembly. The complex is a national asset and is for the FCDA to take care,” he said.
Many Nigerians have reacted and lamented to the approval of N37 billion for the renovation of the national assembly and some reactions are captured below:
See reactions of Nigerians:
N37 billion for National Assembly renovation???
While our hospitals lack basic necessities and our children sit on the floor in our schools…etc, etcLooks like a looting spree https://t.co/xJCUHGTVVp
— Dr Aloy Chife (@ChifeDr) December 17, 2019
N37b to supposedly renovate the National Assembly is another thing Nigerians can work together to fight. Those guys are unitedly raping you, this isn’t time to check whether you refer a broom or an umbrella, they prefer your future and they are eating it up without remorse!
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 17, 2019
Abacha, despite being regarded as one of the most "Corrupt Leader" in HISTORY built our National Assembly complex at a cost of $35.18m (N7bn then)
Now under the watch of one of the most "Incorruptible Leader" in HISTORY, N37bn has been approved for just its mere RENOVATION!🤭 pic.twitter.com/9RHlaXuRon
— #FreeDadiyata🔴 (@Kabir_Kb1) December 17, 2019
I could say the renovation of the National Assembly is the last thing on the average Nigerian’s mind and I’d still be lying because such a frivolity is not on their mind. They want a country they can stop trying to escape, a system that supports their dreams and aspirations.
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 17, 2019
N37billion to renovate the National Assembly that was built for N7billion
Also 1billion to be used for constitution amendment 🙄
Naija which way 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nczGy28lEQ— Future Minds Development Initiative (@AccountableNG) December 17, 2019
The N37billion approved for the renovation of the National Assembly which cost N7billion to build in 1999, is a “settlement” to lawmakers for Buhari’s third term or a six year single term! pic.twitter.com/Sv7jPIZdHf
— Jackson Ude (@jacksonpbn) December 17, 2019
The rub my back so I will rub your back affair that the Executive and the legislative arm of Government are doing with the nation's finances is something to be worried about.
The truth is bitter and will hardly be accepted but it has to be said.
The National Assembly 😰— The Only Geeflex (@Oga_geeflex) December 17, 2019
Ever heard or been to UCH ibadan? UCH ibadan was Built with 4.5M pounds equivalent to 2.1BN naira in today’s market. The 37BN naira earmarked for the renovation of National Assembly will build 7-8 UCH ibadan, just imagine & we’ve just 6 geo political zones. Insanity
— #kashamadupe (@kasha_madupe) December 17, 2019
Remember when approving around N600m for renovation of the National Assembly cost Madam Patricia Etteh her seat as Speaker of the House of Rep?
She was ridiculed even, buh I understand how N37b is okay now, 2007-2019 is a long time, so much can change.
— Chukwuemeka (@chukschinyere47) December 17, 2019
The previous NASS members didn't approve of the 30 billion dollars Loan.
Now Mr President wan bribe the National Assembly with the renovation of the House. The real #Changebeginswithme#Buhari #PMBAt77 #NairaMarley #NationalAssembly #NASS pic.twitter.com/A63sKoJNEG— Abdullahi Salihu Ali (@asalihu06) December 17, 2019