SERAP to sue FG over N37 bn earmarked for National Assembly renovation
Admin l Wednesday, December 18, 2019
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Social Economic Rights Accountability Project(SERAP) has vowed to take the Federal Government to court for budgeting and approving N37 billion for renovation of the complex housing the two chambers.
The Nigerian National Assembly Complex was built in 1999 at a cost of nearly $35.18 million, with a floor area of 40,000 m².
The National Assembly earmarked the money for the renovation which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, fueling public uproar in Nigeria. The money is part of the N10.59 trillion budget for the year 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“It is my pleasant duty, today, on my 77th birthday, to sign the 2020 Appropriation Bill into law. I’m pleased that the National Assembly has expeditiously passed this Bill. Our Federal Budget is now restored to a January-December implementation cycle”, Buhari declared while signing the 2020 appropriation.
In a statement, SERAP said the plan to spend N37 billion to ‘renovate’ the National Assembly is another white elephant project.
“It’s antithetical to constitutional oath of office. We’re suing to stop this wasteful and illegal spending. If you would like to join us, simply say: “add my name”, SERAP said.
SERAP called on Nigerians to immediately reject N37bn for ‘National Assembly renovation’ and to ensure that the funds are used judiciously to provide access to quality education for every Nigerian child, access to quality, affordable healthcare to all Nigerians.
