Budget 2020: We Need N37b To Renovate National Assembly Complex – Lawmakers

A sum of N37 billion has been approved by federal lawmakers for the renovation of the National Assembly complex.

Also endorsed as part of the Budget 2020 is N1billion to cater for the amendment of the Constitution. This is slated to begin early next year.

President Muhammadu Buhari on October 8, presented a N10.33trillion budget proposal to the joint session of the national assembly but lawmakers passed a N10.594 trillion estimate, an increase of N264 billion on December 5.

The N37 billion renovation cash is part of the N2.5trillion capital project provision which is to be carried out by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

National Assembly Director of Information, Dr. Rawlings Agada, said only the FCDA could speak on the renovation of the complex and the amount voted.

Agada, who noted that the National Assembly’s edifice needed attention, wondered if N37 billion would be enough for the job to be done.

“The National Assembly needs a lot of work. I don’t think even that amount of money can take care of all those things because even the dome has been leaking and there is fear that if the repairs are not done, we might suffer greater problem in the future.

“I think the leadership of the National Assembly took note of that pursuant to the concerns raised by the management.

“That is just that because I don’t have the details of the budget but I am aware that there is a lot that needs to be done.

House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila had raised the alarm over the decaying National Assembly building.

Most of the amendments proposed to the Constitution by the Eighth National Assembly were rejected by President Buhari.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan is expected to inaugurate members of the Constitution Review Committee early next year to enable them conclude the assignment on time.