Delta Moves To Institutionalise 13th-Month Pay As Assembly Passes Bill
By NWAFOR AZINGE
Assembly Gives 13th-Month Salary Legal Backing
THE Delta State House of Assembly has passed an Executive Bill seeking to institutionalise the payment of 13th-month salary to public servants in the state.
The House passed the bill on Tuesday after its third reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
The Assembly described the passage as a major milestone in workers’ welfare.
Law to Provide Greater Certainty
The House suspended relevant standing orders to enable members to consider the bill immediately.
Following the passage, Guwor commended lawmakers for supporting what he described as a bold step towards strengthening workers’ welfare.
He said the legislation reflected the constitutional responsibility of government to promote the security and welfare of the people.
According to him, the law also reinforced the Delta State Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of its workforce.
Guwor Hails Oborevwori’s Welfare Policy
The Speaker said the passage validated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration as a welfare-oriented and worker-friendly government.
He added that the 13th-month salary policy “has come to stay” in Delta State.
Guwor expressed optimism that the payment would improve workers’ morale, raise productivity and strengthen service delivery.
He also commended Governor Oborevwori for initiating the policy, describing it as an important way of recognising the contributions of public servants to the state’s development.
Committee Explains the Bill
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, Hon. Edafe Emakpor, presented the committee’s report on the legislation.
Emakpor said the bill would provide a legal framework for the payment and strengthen the welfare and productivity of public servants.
He said institutionalising the policy would give workers greater assurance and certainty about the annual payment.
Delta Claims First Statutory Framework
According to the Assembly, Delta has become the first state in Nigeria to establish a statutory framework for the payment of a 13th-month salary to public servants.
The new legislation is expected to give the annual payment stronger institutional backing.
It is also expected to reinforce the state’s welfare package and encourage public servants to improve productivity and service delivery.
