By Abdulaziz Salisu
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has called on the Federal Government immediately constitute a panel to work on demands of Nigerian workers for increased wages and arrears of pension, promotion and allowances.
Addressing workers at the Eagles Square, Abuja, venue of the 2017 May Day Celebration, Mr Saraki said the government needs to quickly address all issues affecting Nigerian workers.
Spokesman to Mr Saraki, Yusuph Olaniyonu, quoted the Senate president 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 reference and realistic time to conclude their work and make recommendations.
“We in the National Assembly are ready to play our part to ensure the appropriation of necessary funds and enactment of appropriate laws to back up the resultant policies.”
Mr Saraki applauded the patience, understanding and co-operation that the workers had extended to the administration since its inception, “particularly at this period of economic challenge, stating that their positive attitude will not be taken for granted.”
He disclosed that the National Assembly members had on their own increased the proposed provision in the 2017 budget being worked on to take care of pension of retired workers.
He also said the legislature could easily at the last stage of the budget process include provisions to take care of the financial implication of redressing arrears of promotion and allowances.
