BREAKING: Delta Signs 13th-Month Salary Into Law for Eligible Public Servants

• Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has signed the 13th-month salary into law for eligible public servants, giving legal backing to the welfare benefit alongside four other reforms.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has signed the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, providing a legal foundation for the benefit available to eligible public servants in the state.

The governor assented to the legislation on Wednesday, October 28, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Asaba. Four other bills covering judicial administration, property protection and revenue collection were also signed.

Oborevwori said the salary initiative was intended to recognise workers’ contributions, strengthen morale and encourage productivity across the public service.

What the law means for workers

The legislation gives the 13th-month salary a place in the state’s legal framework.

Presenting the bills, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, said the salary law provides the benefit for eligible public servants.

However, the announcement did not set out a comprehensive eligibility schedule, calculation formula or detailed payment arrangements. Those provisions will determine how the benefit applies to individual workers and categories of employees.

Head of Service welcomes welfare measure

The outgoing Delta State Head of Service, Dr Mininim Oseji, welcomed the legislation, describing it as a positive development for workers and their families.

Oseji said the policy could support business activity, linking improved workers’ welfare to spending within the local economy.

Her remarks reflected the administration’s expectation that the benefit would extend beyond individual employees to their households and the businesses they patronise.

Governor also approves more judicial positions

The signing ceremony included amendments expanding the number of judges authorised for two courts.

The High Court amendment increases the number from 46 to 50, while the Customary Court of Appeal amendment raises its number from nine to 12.

Oborevwori said the changes were intended to improve justice delivery. The amendments expand judicial capacity in law; the signing itself does not mean the additional positions have already been filled.

Property protection and tax administration also affected

The governor also signed the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law, which he said would strengthen safeguards against unlawful occupation and destruction of property.

Another measure, the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026, seeks to coordinate tax administration, curb multiple taxation and encourage investment.

Oborevwori urged the responsible agencies to implement the laws effectively, saying development includes policies that improve people’s lives as well as physical infrastructure.

Guwor said the five measures were designed to improve governance, strengthen justice delivery and protect investments across the state.