ASABA: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has signed five bills into law, including the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening governance across the state.
The governor signed the bills on Wednesday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Asaba, marking another step in his administration’s reform agenda under the M.O.R.E. Agenda.
The new laws cover public servants’ welfare, judicial capacity, property protection and revenue administration, with the state government expressing optimism that the measures would improve service delivery, strengthen public institutions and encourage economic growth.
Speaking on the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, Oborevwori said the initiative was designed to boost workers’ morale, recognise their contributions and enhance productivity within the state public service.
According to the governor, development should not be measured solely by infrastructure projects but also by policies that directly improve people’s living conditions and economic wellbeing.
As part of the measures, the governor also signed amendments increasing the number of High Court judges in Delta State from 46 to 50, while the number of Customary Court of Appeal judges will rise from nine to 12.
The amendments are expected to strengthen judicial capacity and improve the administration of justice in the state.
Oborevwori also signed the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law, which is intended to reinforce safeguards against unlawful occupation and destruction of properties.
The legislation is expected to strengthen the protection of public and private assets and provide a firmer framework for addressing property-related violations.
Another major legislation signed by the governor is the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026.
The law is designed to harmonise tax administration, address multiple taxation and create a more coordinated revenue collection system.
The state government believes the reforms could improve the business environment, encourage investment and support sustainable economic development.
Oborevwori commended the Delta State House of Assembly for its collaboration in the legislative process and urged relevant government agencies to ensure effective implementation of the new laws.
Presenting the bills at the signing ceremony, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, said the legislations were intended to strengthen governance, improve justice delivery and protect investments.
Guwor explained that the Thirteenth Month Salary Law provides benefits for eligible public servants, while the judicial amendments are expected to enhance court efficiency and the property protection legislation will help safeguard public and private assets.
The outgoing Delta State Head of Service, Dr Mininim Oseji, also described the 13th-month salary policy as a significant boost to workers’ welfare and family wellbeing.
Oseji said the initiative could stimulate business activities through increased spending, while commending the governor for introducing the measure.
The ceremony was witnessed by senior government officials and judicial representatives, including the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai, represented by Justice Briki Okolosi, and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal’s representative, Justice Tracy Uriah.
Also present were Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Arthur Akpowowo; principal officers of the Assembly; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Eze Emu; members of the State Executive Council; commissioners and other senior officials.
The implementation of the new laws, particularly the eligibility provisions and administrative arrangements for the 13th-month salary, will be important in determining their impact on workers and the wider Delta State economy.
