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In a significant budgetary allocation, lawmakers have earmarked an additional N30 billion for the ongoing renovation of the National Assembly Complex in the 2024 Appropriation Bill. This brings the total amount allocated to the renovation to N60 billion. The N344.85 billion budget for the National Assembly, signed by President Bola Tinubu, is the highest ever allocated to the legislature.
The initial completion date for the renovation project was set for August 2022 but was later extended to January 2023 and then December 2023. As of January 2024, the renovation remains incomplete, with visible construction work ongoing on the premises. The contractor, Visible Construction Company, has faced delays attributed to fluctuations in the value of the naira to the United States dollar and the need for additional funds.
Despite an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, the completion of the renovation project is still pending. The site engineer, Tajudeen Olanipekun, cited challenges such as currency fluctuations and the requirement for more funds from the Federal Capital Development Agency (FCDA) as reasons for the delay.
The Head of Public Relations at the FCDA, Richard Nduul, disclosed that approximately N19 billion had been paid to Visible Construction Nigeria Limited out of the N30 billion contract awarded in 2021. However, the project's completion is crucial to transform the National Assembly Complex into a world-class parliamentary building.
Efforts to obtain the latest information on project expenditures from Nduul and Olanipekun were unsuccessful. Nduul mentioned being on sick leave and suggested contacting him on Monday for updated records. Olanipekun did not respond to calls and text messages.
The allocation of an additional N30 billion raises questions about the effective and transparent utilization of public funds, prompting scrutiny and demands for accountability in the ongoing National Assembly renovation project.
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