Delta Assembly Passes 13th-Month Salary Bill for Public Servants

The Delta State House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to make the payment of a 13th-month salary to public servants a permanent policy in the state.

The executive bill was passed on Tuesday after its third reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

The Assembly described the legislation as a major step towards strengthening workers’ welfare, saying it would provide legal backing and greater certainty for the annual payment of the additional salary.

Before considering the bill, lawmakers suspended the relevant standing orders to allow for its immediate passage. The motion was moved by the Leader of the House, Emeka Nwaobi, and subsequently adopted.

Speaking after the passage, Guwor commended the lawmakers for what he described as a bold move to improve the welfare of workers in Delta State.

He said the Assembly had demonstrated that the primary responsibility of government was to protect the security and welfare of the people.

Guwor also said the legislation reinforced Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to workers, describing his administration as welfare-oriented and worker-friendly.

According to him, the institutionalisation of the 13th-month salary would boost workers’ morale, improve productivity and strengthen service delivery across the state.

Presenting the report of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, its chairman, Edafe Emakpo, said the proposed law would establish a clear legal framework for the policy.

Emakpo said giving the payment statutory backing would provide public servants with greater assurance while contributing to improved morale, productivity and overall well-being.

The legislation is expected to strengthen Delta State’s annual 13th-month salary arrangement and make the payment a more secure part of the welfare package for public servants.