Delta Assembly passes 13th-month salary bill for public servants

The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed an executive bill seeking to institutionalise the payment of a 13th-month salary to public servants in the state.

The Assembly described the development, which is expected to give statutory backing and greater certainty to the annual payment of the additional salary to the state’s public servants, as “a major milestone in workers’ welfare.”

The passage of the bill followed its third reading during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

Ahead of the bill’s consideration, the Assembly 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, the Speaker, Hon Guwor, commended members for their “bold step towards strengthening workers’ welfare in Delta State.”

The Speaker said, “The Assembly had once again demonstrated that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people”.

He remarked that the legislation reflected the state government’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce.

He said, “The passage of the bill further affirmed the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a welfare-oriented and worker-friendly government. The payment of the 13th-month salary to public servants in Delta State has come to stay.”

While expressing confidence that the policy would boost workers’ morale, increase productivity and improve service delivery, the Speaker lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for initiating the welfare policy, which he described as “a significant gesture in recognition of the contributions of public servants to the development of the state”.

Speaking earlier while presenting the report of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, Hon Edafe Emakpo, the committee chairman, explained that 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 stated that “institutionalising the payment would provide public servants with greater assurance and certainty, while contributing to improved morale, productivity and overall wellbeing.”

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.