Delta 13th-month salary payments have received legal backing following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s signing of the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, alongside four other bills in Asaba on Wednesday, October 28. The legislation formalises an additional salary benefit for eligible public servants and strengthens the state’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare. The development also aims to boost productivity and ensure that the benefit continues beyond the tenure of the current administration.
The signing follows months of discussions and legislative action aimed at making the payment a permanent entitlement rather than a benefit that depends on the discretion of a sitting governor. The state government had previously approved the initiative before sending an executive bill to the Delta State House of Assembly for consideration.
What the New Salary Law Means for Public Servants
The legislation provides for an additional month’s salary for eligible public servants in Delta State, giving the welfare initiative a legal foundation that could protect its continuity under future administrations.
Governor Oborevwori said the new laws would strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery and promote economic development across the state. He also described the additional salary as a way to recognise workers’ contributions, improve morale and encourage greater commitment to their duties.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, presented the bills to the governor for assent and highlighted their importance to governance and public welfare. He explained that the salary legislation provides for the additional payment to eligible public servants, while the other laws address judicial capacity, property protection and tax administration.
The outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, also welcomed the development, describing it as a boost to workers’ welfare and family wellbeing. She noted that the additional income could support household spending and stimulate business activities across the state.
However, workers should understand the distinction between the law’s general provision and the specific rules governing individual eligibility. The reports published after the signing do not provide a complete breakdown of covered employee categories or explain every condition attached to payment. Questions about local government personnel, pensioners and other government-linked workers therefore require clarification from the relevant authorities.
When Will Workers Receive the Extra Salary?
The question of payment timing remains important for public servants who expect the additional income to support their end-of-year expenses.
Governor Oborevwori had previously announced plans for the 13th-month salary to begin in December 2026. That earlier announcement gives workers a basis for expecting the benefit this year, although the latest reports on the law’s signing do not provide a detailed payroll timetable or confirm the precise payment date.
Consequently, workers should await official guidance from the state government and the relevant payroll authorities before treating a particular date as final. The signing establishes the law, but implementation arrangements will determine how and when eligible employees receive the payment.
Earlier explanations from the state government also indicated that the benefit would equal a full month’s salary, rather than basic salary alone. However, employees should consult the final law and official implementation guidelines for confirmation of the applicable calculation and any qualifying conditions.
Four Other Bills Signed Alongside the Salary Law
The governor’s signing ceremony also covered four other pieces of legislation aimed at improving governance and strengthening public institutions.
The judicial amendments increase the number of Delta State High Court judges from 46 to 50 and raise the number of Customary Court of Appeal judges from nine to 12. The changes seek to strengthen the courts’ capacity and improve justice delivery.
Oborevwori also signed the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law, which aims to strengthen safeguards against unlawful occupation and the destruction of property.
Another measure, the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026, seeks to harmonise tax administration, reduce multiple taxation and create a more favourable environment for investment.
The governor commended the State House of Assembly for passing the bills and urged the relevant agencies to implement the new laws effectively.
For public servants, the Thirteenth Month Salary Law represents a significant step towards securing an additional annual payment. Its full impact will depend on clear eligibility rules, confirmed payment arrangements and effective implementation by the state government.
