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 passage as “a major milestone in workers’ welfare”, saying the legislation would give statutory backing and greater certainty to the annual payment of the additional salary.
The bill was passed after its third reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Before considering the bill, the lawmakers suspended the relevant standing orders to enable its immediate passage.
The motion, moved by the Leader of the House, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, was subsequently adopted.
Guwor commended members for what he described as a “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 said the legislation further demonstrated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.
Guwor 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.”
He expressed confidence that the policy would improve workers’ morale, boost productivity and enhance service delivery.
The Speaker also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for introducing the welfare policy, describing it as “a significant gesture in recognition of the contributions of public servants to the development of the state”.
Earlier, while presenting the report of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, its chairman, Hon Edafe Emakpo, said the proposed law was designed to establish a legal framework for the policy while improving workers’ welfare and productivity.
Emakpo said: “Institutionalising the payment would provide public servants with greater assurance and certainty, while contributing to improved morale, productivity and overall wellbeing.”
The new law is expected to provide stronger institutional backing for the annual payment, strengthen the welfare package of public servants and encourage greater commitment to service delivery across Delta State.
