A lawmaker has advised the National Assembly to spend the N37bn budgeted for the renovation of the NASS Complex and the money meant for the purchase of official cars for lawmakers on out-of-school children.

Farah Dagogo, the lawmaker representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in Rivers State at the House of Representatives, said that means of transportation should not be an issue of concern for members.

Dagogo, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP],  said this while interacting with newsmen in Abuja on Monday night.

While the Senate has chosen Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for its members, their members in the House had ordered 400 Toyota Camry 2020 model, excluding the Sports Utility Vehicles already being used by the principal officers.

The House had on Thursday spent about five hours to discuss the issues affecting the Nigerian child.

Dagogo, however, asked that the expensive renovation project and the exotic cars should be sacrificed for the education of Nigerian children.

The lawmaker noted that the 9th National Assembly is known for making sacrifices for the country, stressing that prioritising and finding a lasting solution to the out-of-school debacle should be the main focus of the parliament.

He said,

“First and foremost, I must commend the leadership of the House of Representatives for its well-thought-out plan with a special plenary on the menace of the out-of-school children. Unfortunately, I wasn’t at that session but I am in complete tune and alignment with the positions canvassed for its solution.

“I’m particularly happy that the Minority Leader (Ndudi Elumelu) urged members to make sacrifices from their salaries and allowances to curb the menace. That is good but I think using a legislative backing to rework the N37bn already budgeted for the renovation of the National Assembly for our out-of-school children should be thoroughly considered.

“Also, the planned purchase of vehicles for members should be jettisoned now and rather channelled to the project. Doing so diligently will prove the National Assembly, especially this 9th Assembly, as a group (of lawmakers) who are willing and ready to sacrifice their comfort for the benefits of the masses, who are also our constituents.

“We all know the financial quagmire the country is facing today. Governments at various levels are working round the clock to improve the lives of the masses. If we are truly desirous of getting this out-of-school children debacle right, renovation of National Assembly, purchase of cars and other sundry matters, should be shelved; the priority should be how to better the lives of our children for the future. Even if most people would not want to admit it, the National Assembly is an institution known for taking proactive steps and measures that serves the interest of the country. This is another moment to test that character.”