In a move set to redefine workers’ welfare in the state, the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday Passed into law a bill seeking to institutionalise the annual payment of 13th month salary to public servants in Delta State.
The passage followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the house committee on establishment, ethics and privileges.
Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Edafe Emakpor, member representing uvwie constituency, told the house that the primary objective of the bill was to create a legal backing for the payment policy in order to improve the morale, productivity and overall wellbeing of civil servants across the state.
“The intent of this bill is to improve the morale, productivity and overall wellbeing of public servants in delta state through a legal framework,” hon. emakpor stated.
Following the adoption of the committee’s report, the house moved swiftly to suspend its relevant standing orders to enable immediate consideration of the bill for third reading and passage.
The motion for the suspension was moved by the leader of the house, hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and was seconded by Hon. Edafe Emakpor.
With the suspension in place, the bill scaled through the third reading without opposition and was unanimously passed by members present.
The development signals the commitment of the 8th assembly to prioritizing the welfare of workers as a critical component of governance in the state.
Speaking after the passage, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, commended his colleagues for their diligence and patriotism in ensuring the speedy passage of the bill.
Rt. Hon. Guwor described the legislation as historic, noting that it further affirms the core purpose of government which is the security and welfare of the people.
According to him, the new law validates the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a government that places premium on the welfare of workers.
“This house has demonstrated again that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people. This historic legislation further validates the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a welfare-oriented and worker-friendly government,” the speaker said.
He added that with the law now in place, the payment of 13th month salary to public servants in Delta State “has come to stay.”
Rt. Hon. guwor expressed optimism that the policy would significantly boost workers’ morale, enhance productivity, and ultimately improve service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies in the state.
The Speaker also lauded Governor Oborevwori for his foresight in initiating the welfare package, describing it as one of the most significant interventions for hardworking public servants in recent times.
With the passage of the bill, the payment of 13th month salary is now backed by law, providing greater certainty and predictability for workers who previously received it as a policy gesture of government.
Stakeholders say the legislation is expected to strengthen the overall welfare package of workers in delta state and position the state as a pacesetter in public sector remuneration in the country.
The bill will now be transmitted to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for assent to become law.
