By Deborah Hassan
Nigerians have been reacting to the news that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ministry of Information and Culture to renovate the National Theatre, Lagos, for N21 billion.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, told the press after the council rose from its meeting on Wednesday, February 10, 2021: “I sought and obtained an approval to execute a memorandum of understanding between the Federal Ministry of Information, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers Committee worth N21 billion for the renovation of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.”
He continued, “This is a landmark approval because it has paved the way for investment in the creative industry as part of the resolve of this government to create at least 1 million jobs in the next three years from the creative industry.
“The CBN through the Bankers Committee is willing to invest N21, 894, 000, 000 to renovate the National Theatre, refurbish it, and run it profitably.”
Reacting to the news, Nigerians took to the social media to commend the Federal Government for the decision to resuscitate the national treasure but condemned the contract sum which they alleged was overbloated.
Ex- senator, Shehu Sani, said on Twitter the figure proposed for the renovation was “unbelievable.”
He stated, ”National Theatre is a national treasure that deserves renovation and preservation. I commend the CBN and the FG for the initiative after decades of utter neglect. However, spending N21 Billion for renovation is unbelievable.”
His tweet elicited responses from other Nigerians who argued for and against the approval.
Oluwatayo Joseph @Joe_Bookread, stated: ”I think the project details should be the thing here. Freedom of Information Act, 2011 should be activated here for transparency purpose. A cursory look into the entire building and landscape, as well as the topography might justify this amount or a bit lower amount.”
In his view, Kenny @kennyeze30, said: ”That money is enough to break and build a new National theatre, not 21b for renovation. This people think Nigerians are stupid, it’s unfortunate APC took over when Nigerians eye open.”
For Gbenga Ayodele @gbayo1, a breakdown of the works to be undertaken would, perhaps, satisfy the curious minds.
”What a ridiculous nation! This is the country where every government in power elevate corruption to higher level. What are they renovating for 21billion? Curious minds want to know,” he stated.
But Sultankay @sultankay urged Nigerians to be patient and see the details of the renovation before jumping to conclusions that the contract sum was blown up.
He tweeted, ”Guy let be real here, have you seen the proposal.. do you know what items make up the total amount…let’s wait for details before we call anyone thief.”
For Amaju Edegbele @Amaju18, it is questionable that the CBN is willing to invest in the building as a government entity. He queried: ”What does CBN stand to achieve a government entity to spend 21 billion to renovate a building? Is government speciality just to mismanage and try to be logical about why the private sector should come in. Government want to spend 21 billion who’s money?”
However, Imegu Alex @AlexImegu, defended the FEC on the approval, saying the renovation of the national edifice could consume that amount.
”It (is) worth revamping, this iconic archive always a master class for memory of our black culture, the architecture is so central can be seen everywhere around Lagos, the building can sink that cost inclusive civil & services works, also see the swampy zone as renovations gulps more!,” he declared.
In conclusion, Samuel Exodus @MRsamuelEXODUS, stated: ”That is the work of politicians, the will cut grass for 500million, buy photocopy machine 13millon, website creation 2million. God dey.”