Oborevwori Signs Five Laws, Introduces 13th-Month Salary Benefit For Eligible Delta Workers

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has signed five bills into law, introducing a 13th-month salary benefit for eligible public servants while strengthening the judiciary, protecting property rights and reforming tax administration across the state.

The governor signed the legislation at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, describing the measures as part of his administration’s continuing reforms under the MORE Agenda.

According to Oborevwori, the laws reflect his government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, strengthening public institutions and creating conditions that support economic development. He maintained that meaningful development must extend beyond physical infrastructure to policies that directly improve people’s lives.

The Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, emerged as the leading measure among the five laws. The legislation provides for an additional month’s salary for eligible public servants, with the government presenting the initiative as a means of recognising workers’ contributions and encouraging greater productivity.

New Salary Law Targets Workers’ Welfare

Oborevwori said the 13th-month salary initiative would improve staff morale, reward public servants for their contributions to the state and strengthen productivity across the public service.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, presented the bills to the governor after their passage by the legislature. He said the new salary law provides for the benefit for eligible public servants and forms part of broader efforts to improve governance and public service delivery.

Meanwhile, the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, welcomed the legislation, describing it as a significant boost to workers’ welfare and family wellbeing.

Beyond its direct benefit to eligible employees, Oseji said the policy could stimulate commercial activity across Delta State. In her view, additional income for workers could support household spending and create opportunities for businesses serving public servants and their families.

She also expressed appreciation to Oborevwori for introducing the measure, describing it as a welcome development for workers and residents.

However, the legislation’s practical impact will depend on its implementation. The reports announcing the signing did not specify the payment date, the detailed eligibility requirements, the calculation method or the funding arrangements. Those details will be important in determining how the benefit reaches qualifying workers and how the state government incorporates it into public expenditure.

Judicial Amendments to Expand Court Capacity

Alongside the workers’ welfare measure, Oborevwori signed two amendments intended to increase judicial capacity in Delta State.

The first raises the number of High Court judges from 46 to 50, while the second increases the number of Customary Court of Appeal judges from nine to 12.

The governor said the amendments would strengthen the judiciary and improve the delivery of justice. By providing for additional judicial positions, the measures seek to expand the courts’ capacity to handle their responsibilities.

Guwor also highlighted the importance of the judicial amendments, saying they would support more effective justice delivery and strengthen public institutions.

Nevertheless, increasing the number of judicial positions does not automatically guarantee faster case resolution. The practical results will also depend on appointments, available court facilities, staffing, administrative support and the ability of the judicial system to manage its caseload.

The implementation of the amendments will therefore be central to determining whether the additional positions translate into improved access to justice for residents.

Property Protection Law Targets Unlawful Occupation & Destruction

The governor also signed the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law, which seeks to strengthen safeguards against the unlawful occupation and destruction of public and private property.

The legislation adds another dimension to the government’s stated reform agenda by addressing the protection of assets belonging to individuals, businesses and public institutions.

According to the governor and the Assembly Speaker, stronger property safeguards could support public confidence and help protect investments. The measure is particularly relevant to the wider business environment because property security can influence decisions about where individuals and companies commit their resources.

However, the law’s effectiveness will depend on how the relevant authorities enforce its provisions and apply them consistently. The announcement did not provide further details about the specific amendments, enforcement procedures or penalties introduced by the legislation.

Revenue Law Seeks to Curb Multiple Taxation

The fifth legislative measure is the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026, which provides for the harmonisation of tax administration and seeks to curb multiple taxation.

Oborevwori said the legislation was designed to create a more favourable environment for investment. By coordinating revenue administration and addressing overlapping tax demands, the government aims to improve the relationship between tax collection and economic activity.

Guwor similarly said the new laws would strengthen governance and help protect investments.

For businesses and residents, the practical importance of the revenue law will depend on how effectively the relevant agencies implement its provisions. Clear administrative procedures, coordinated tax collection and consistent enforcement will be necessary to achieve the stated objective of reducing multiple taxation.

At the same time, the reform will need to operate alongside the state’s revenue needs. The challenge for the government will be to improve tax administration without creating unnecessary burdens for legitimate businesses and taxpayers.

Government Calls for Effective Implementation

During the signing ceremony, Oborevwori commended the Delta State House of Assembly for passing the bills and urged the relevant government agencies to ensure their effective implementation.

The Speaker, in turn, said the legislation would improve workers’ welfare, strengthen the courts, protect public and private assets and support better governance.

The ceremony was attended by senior government and judicial officials. The Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai, was represented by Justice Briki Okolosi, while Justice Tracy Uriah represented the President of the Customary Court of Appeal.

Other officials present included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; principal officers of the Assembly; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; the Secretary to the State Government; commissioners; and other senior government officials.

Taken together, the five laws address several areas of state administration, from employee welfare to justice delivery, property protection and revenue collection. Their significance, however, will ultimately depend on the regulations, administrative decisions and practical steps that follow their enactment.

For eligible public servants, the 13th-month salary law offers the prospect of an additional employment benefit. Meanwhile, the judicial amendments seek to expand court capacity, the property legislation aims to strengthen asset protection, and the revenue law seeks to improve tax coordination.

As the government moves towards implementation, transparency over eligibility, funding, enforcement and administrative responsibilities will be essential to demonstrating the reforms’ practical value to workers, businesses and the wider Delta State community.