The Delta State House of Assembly has passed an Executive Bill seeking to institutionalize the payment of a 13th-month salary to public servants in the state.
The bill was passed on Tuesday following its Third Reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
The development, described by the Assembly as a major milestone in workers’ welfare, is expected to give statutory backing and greater certainty to the annual payment of the additional salary.
Ahead of the bill’s consideration, the House suspended the relevant standing orders to allow for its immediate passage. The motion for the suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and subsequently adopted.
Speaking shortly after the passage, Speaker Guwor commended members for what he described as a bold step towards strengthening workers’ welfare in Delta State.
He said the Assembly had once again demonstrated that the primary purpose of government was the security and welfare of the people, noting that the legislation reflected the state government’s commitment to the wellbeing of its workforce.
According to Guwor, the passage of the bill further affirmed the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a welfare-oriented and worker-friendly government.
He declared that the payment of the 13th-month salary to public servants in the state “has come to stay,” expressing confidence that the policy would boost workers’ morale, increase productivity and improve service delivery.
The Speaker also commended Governor Oborevwori for initiating the welfare policy, describing it as a significant gesture in recognition of the contributions of public servants to the development of the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, Hon. Edafe Emakpor, presented the committee’s report on the bill.
Emakpor said the proposed law was designed to establish a legal framework for the policy while improving the welfare and productivity of workers across the state.
He explained that institutionalizing the payment would provide public servants with greater assurance and certainty, while contributing to improved morale, productivity and overall wellbeing.
With the passage of the legislation, Delta State is being positioned as the first state in Nigeria to establish a statutory framework for the payment of a 13th-month salary to its public servants.
The law is expected to provide stronger institutional backing for the annual payment, enhance the welfare package of workers and encourage greater commitment to public service delivery across the state.
