THE dream of Delta State civil servants of a 13-month salary became a reality on Wednesday, October 28, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori signed five Bills into law, including the 23-Month Salary Bill, 2026, to improve workers’ welfare, strengthen the judiciary, protect property rights and reform the state’s tax administration.
At the signing ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Asaba, Oborevwori described the development as part of his administration’s commitment to reforms under the MORE Agenda, saying the laws would strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery and promote economic development.
On the 13-Month Salary Law, the governor explained that the initiative would boost workers’ morale, reward their contributions and improve productivity.
Other Bills signed into were amendments increasing the number of High Court Judges from 46 to 50, and Customary Court of Appeal Judges from nine to 12 to improve justice delivery.
Oborevwori said the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law would strengthen safeguards against unlawful occupation and destruction of properties, while the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026, would harmonise tax administration, curb multiple taxation and promote investment.
The governor stated that development went beyond infrastructure to include policies that improve lives.
He commended the state House of Assembly and urged relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of the laws.
Presenting the Bills, Speaker of the Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, said they would strengthen governance, improve justice delivery and protect investments.
Guwor said the 13-Month Salary Law provides for the benefit for eligible public servants, while the judicial amendments would enhance court efficiency and the property law to safeguard public and private assets.
Speaking at the ceremony, outgoing Head of Service, Mininim Oseji, described the 13-Month Salary Law as a boost to workers’ welfare and family wellbeing, saying the policy would stimulate business activities.
Oseji thanked Oborevwori for the initiative, which she described as a welcome development for workers and Deltans.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the state Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, represented by Justice Briki Okolosi; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, represented by Justice Tracy Uriah; Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Arthur Akpowowo; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kingsley Emu; commissioners, senior government officials and principal officers of the Assembly.
