Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has signed the 13th-month salary law for 2026 and four other bills, including laws increasing the number of judges in the state’s High Court and Customary Court of Appeal.
Oborevwori signed the bills at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, saying the laws were designed to improve workers’ welfare, strengthen public institutions and support economic growth.
The governor said the 13th-month salary initiative would motivate public servants and improve their productivity.
“The initiative is designed to boost workers’ morale, reward their contributions and improve productivity,” he said.
The judicial amendments increase the number of High Court judges from 46 to 50 and Customary Court of Appeal judges from nine to 12, a move expected to strengthen the courts’ capacity to handle cases.
Oborevwori also signed the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law to strengthen safeguards against unlawful occupation and destruction of property.
Another law, the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026, is aimed at harmonising tax administration, reducing multiple taxation and creating a more favourable environment for investment.
The governor said development was not limited to roads and other physical infrastructure but also included policies that directly improved people’s lives.
He commended the Delta State House of Assembly for passing the bills and urged the relevant agencies to ensure their effective implementation.
Presenting the bills for assent, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, said the laws would strengthen governance, improve justice delivery and protect investments.
Guwor said the 13th-month salary law provided for the benefit for eligible public servants, while the judicial amendments would enhance court efficiency and the property protection law would safeguard public and private assets.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Head of Service, Dr Mininim Oseji, described the 13th-month salary law as a boost to workers’ welfare and family wellbeing.
She said the policy could also stimulate business activities and thanked the governor for introducing the initiative.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior government officials, judicial officers and members of the state House of Assembly.
