The approval of N37 billion for the renovation of the National Assembly (NASS) complex in Abuja has sparked criticisms from Nigerians on social media.

WuzupNigeria reports that the Senate President Ahmad Lawan told newsmen at a press conference in Abuja on Monday that the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) approved the fund.

Though the fund was not included in the NASS 2020 budget, it was captured in the budget of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

Since the report emerged on the internet, some Nigerians have been fuming and condemning what they described as an over-bloated budget.

Some argued that building of the complex cost N7 billion when it was built 20 years ago

The NASS complex was built in 1999 at a cost of nearly $35.18 million (N12.7 billion at present exchange rate) and the contract was awarded to ITB Nigeria, on February 18, 1996 through the Department of public building, of the FCDA, Abuja.

Convener of the Concerned Nigerians group, Deji Adeyanju tweeted:

NEWS: Buhari ‘approves N37 billion for National Assembly renovation’

Was it not with N7billion they built National Assembly?

— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) December 16, 2019

Ogbuefi Okafor wrote:

Gen. Muhammadu buhari approves N37 billion to renovate national assembly complex that was built with N7 billion, and some people still believe he has integrity.

If you believe in buhari’s integrity, anytime you want to see a clown, look into the mirror you’d see one.

— Ogbuefi Okafor?? (@MistaChika) December 17, 2019

READ ALSO: Buhari approves N37bn for renovation of NASS complex

 

See other reactions:

 

N37 billion for National Assembly renovation, and N10 billion for the Enugu airport that generates actual revenue. These decisions keep me up at night. I expect the foreign loans to be quickly approved for president Buhari https://t.co/UVTZ1JoyfI

— Obinna Nwosu (@obi_Nwosu) December 17, 2019

Renovating the National Assembly Complex with the huge sum of Thirty Seven Billion Naira(#37bn) when the complete building only cost #7bn twenty years ago.
National Assembly should please, reconsider this as unnecessary this time. pic.twitter.com/fkwTOFhFjy

— Ọpẹ́yẹmí Amósùn Baaròyìn (@OpeyemiAmosun) December 17, 2019

General Buhari approves ₦37 billion for the rehabilitation of the National Assembly complex

The Phase II of the Gombe-Numan road was awarded at ₦8.28 billion in 2017, not up to 50% completion till today

The masses must recalibrate and live within their means

One chance

— nafiiu (@nafeezi) December 17, 2019

They are after their pockets and not interested in you.

37b naira for the renovation of the National Assembly. https://t.co/uvCaYfOI7b

— friarsomadina (@friarsomadina) December 17, 2019

37 Billion Naira to RENOVATE our NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.

1 Billion Naira for CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Abeg…How much is it to build a new National Assembly?
How much is the entire National Assembly

How much is Nigeria sef that we cant just sell it and have peace.

— @iammrcow PH.D ( Affidavit) (@mrcow_enang) December 16, 2019

 

₦37bn to renovate NASS complex.

I understand institutionalized robbery, but why not approve that sum for hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure that will at least benefit the greater number?

— Odenigbo (@Jah_Nedu) December 17, 2019