Date: 2017-05-01

There Are No Issues With 2017 Budget - Bukola SarakiThe Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called on the Federal Government to set up a committee to review the demands of workers.

Saraki made the call while speaking to journalists at the Eagles Square in Abuja where workers in the Federal Capital Territory met to mark Workers' Day, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu.

The Senate President's call came after workers at the event refused to allow the Labour Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige, address them.

He was quoted as saying, "Government must set up a high-powered committee representing all stakeholders who have the ability to engender confidence across board. They must be given clear terms of references and realistic time to conclude their work and make recommendations.

"We in the National Assembly are ready to play our part to ensure that the appropriation of necessary funds and enactment of appropriate laws to back up the resultant policies."

Saraki said if the workers had allowed Ngige, to address them he would have announced some plans that the government had for the workers.

He, however, said the government appreciated the patience, understanding and cooperation that the workers, especially in the face of the current economic challenges.

Saraki disclosed that the National Assembly had increased the proposed provision in the 2017 budget being worked on to take care of pension of retired workers.

He added that lawmakers would be will to make last-minute adjustments to the budget to accommodate the implication of promotions and allowances.