Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has disclosed that the Delta State Government currently has a workforce of over 60,000 civil servants, describing the figure as a reflection of the enormous responsibility his administration bears in sustaining workers’ welfare and ensuring industrial harmony.
The governor made the revelation on Tuesday at the 2026 Public Service Week Dinner and Awards Night in Asaba, where he announced the approval of a 13th-month salary for civil servants and unveiled additional welfare measures aimed at motivating the state’s workforce.
Oborevwori said his administration places workers at the centre of governance, stressing that every welfare-related request receives prompt attention because of the critical role civil servants play in implementing government policies and programmes across the state.
According to him, the decision to approve the additional salary package underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to rewarding hard work, boosting productivity and maintaining one of Nigeria’s most motivated public services.
“When I see any memo concerning the welfare of civil servants, I always approve it because I know the importance of having over 60,000 workers standing with this administration,” the governor said.
In further demonstration of his pro-worker policy, Oborevwori announced a threefold increase in the cash rewards for outstanding public servants honoured during the ceremony, saying excellence and dedication must continue to be recognised and encouraged within the state public service.
He also disclosed that the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters had been completed and would soon be commissioned after the completion of internal road construction, while official vehicles had been procured for the state’s 11 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries to enhance administrative efficiency.
The governor assured workers that affordable housing remains a major priority of his administration, promising to continue pursuing strategic partnerships and practical initiatives that would improve access to decent accommodation for civil servants.
He further revealed that the salaries of the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries had been increased by more than 50 per cent as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership within the state’s public service.
Commending civil servants for their dedication, professionalism and resilience, Oborevwori said the successes recorded by his administration under the MORE Agenda would not have been possible without the commitment of the state’s workforce.
He charged Permanent Secretaries and Directors to remain faithful to the principles of integrity, accountability and due process, describing them as the institutional memory of government.
“Commissioners come and go, but the public service remains. Protect the system and always do the right thing,” he advised.
Earlier, the State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, praised Governor Oborevwori for his sustained investment in workers’ welfare, noting that the administration’s reforms and incentives had significantly boosted staff morale, efficiency and service delivery.
She described the 2026 Public Service Week as an opportunity to celebrate excellence, deepen institutional reforms and strengthen the commitment of civil servants to delivering quality service to the people of Delta State.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding civil servants. Mr. Abuga Dennis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources emerged as the Best Civil Servant Farmer, while Chinwe Atisele of the Hospitals Management Board and Mr. Reuben Udolu of the Ministry of Women Affairs were honoured as the most punctual staff.
The award recipients received plaques and enhanced cash prizes from Governor Oborevwori in recognition of their outstanding commitment, diligence and exemplary service.
