Senate Meets NLC, TUC, Others On Input To 2016 Budget

Posted by African Examiner Uncategorized Tuesday, February 9th, 2016

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja

The leadership of the 8th Senate has said it will on Wednesday engage the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in an interactive session to get their observations on and input into the 2016 Appropriation Bill now being considered by the National Assembly.

According to a statement from the Media Office of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, this maiden edition of the interactive session is meant to create an opportunity for CSOs to contribute and align ideas with that of the National Assembly in passing an inclusive and implementable budget for all Nigerians.

During the session, which is billed to commence by 2pm at the National Assembly complex, participating CSOs are expected to make their observation and input to the ongoing 2016 budget consideration by the National Assembly.

The statement added: “For the first time in the history of the National Assembly, the leadership of both Houses agreed on implementing a Legislative Agenda they set for themselves through various forms of partnerships, collaboration and cooperation with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), development partners and professional bodies.

“This interactive session is an attempt by the Senate to build confidence in the ability of government to address the needs of citizens. It is part of the Senate’s quest for effective and efficient use of its legislative resources for timely delivery and passage of the 2016 Appropriation Bill. The Senate has taken cognizance of the urgent need of inclusivity by partnering the CSOs.”

The Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki is expected to chair the session which will be attended by other principal officers and relevant committee chairmen of the Senate.

Besides, a resolution geared towards strengthening and building a sustainable partnership on annual budget hearings and monitoring between the National Assembly and the CSOs is expected at the end of the session.