National Assembly will ensure passage of 2018 Budget in December – Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that the National Assembly and the executive would work together to ensure the passage of the 2018 Appropriation Bill in December.

The Bill which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last Thursday is yet to be submitted to the National Assembly.

Speaking to journalists after an interactive dinner hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari in honour of principal officers of the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, Saraki stated that its presentation lay in the hands of the executive but “we will receive it when they are ready.’’

He also assured of cooperation of the National Assembly with the executive to ensure better administration of the country.

Speaking on the dinner, Saraki said it was not just a meeting, but to honour the invitation of the President to the National Assembly officers to interact with him since he returned from medical vacation.

“As you know, since he got back we have not really had an opportunity to meet with him as part of the stakeholders,’’ he said.

He noted that this was the first time for such interaction with the leadership of the National Assembly.

“The meeting was to welcome him to show our gratitude that he has come back healthy and continue to assure him that we will continue to cooperate with the executive and also to acknowledge the role we played while he was away that brought stability.

“We thank all the members for the patriotic approach they handled the administration’s affairs in his absence,’’ he said.