ASABA, September 15, 2026 — The Delta State House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to institutionalise the payment of a 13th-month salary to public servants across the state, giving the welfare initiative a stronger legal foundation.
The executive bill was passed on Tuesday after its third reading during plenary presided over by Speaker Emomotimi Dennis Guwor. Lawmakers suspended the relevant standing orders to facilitate its immediate consideration and passage.
The legislation is intended to provide greater certainty for workers by establishing a legal framework for the annual additional salary payment rather than leaving it solely as an administrative policy.
Guwor described the passage as an important step towards strengthening workers’ welfare in Delta State. He said the measure reflected the government’s responsibility to prioritise the security and well-being of the people.
The Speaker also credited Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration with advancing the policy, expressing confidence that institutionalising the additional salary would improve workers’ morale, productivity and commitment to public service.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, Edafe Emakpo, said the proposed law was designed to provide a clear legal framework for the payment while strengthening the welfare and productivity of public servants.
With the Assembly’s passage, the measure moves closer to becoming a statutory component of Delta State’s workers’ welfare programme.
