By Reen Chidi
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has signed five bills into law, including the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, in a move aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare, strengthening the judicial system, protecting property and improving revenue administration in the state.
The governor assented to the bills on Wednesday October 28, 2026, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Asaba, describing the development as a significant step towards advancing his administration’s MORE Agenda and deepening institutional reforms.
Oborevwori said the new laws were designed to improve governance, strengthen public institutions, enhance service delivery and create a more favourable environment for economic growth and investment.
Speaking on the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, the governor noted that the initiative was intended to motivate public servants, recognise their contributions to the state’s development and improve productivity across the public service.
He expressed confidence that the policy would positively impact workers’ welfare while contributing to broader economic activities in Delta State.
The governor also signed amendments to the laws governing the state’s judiciary, increasing the number of High Court judges from 46 to 50 and Customary Court of Appeal judges from nine to 12. The amendments are expected to strengthen the courts’ capacity and improve access to justice.
Another legislation signed was the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law, which seeks to reinforce measures against the unlawful occupation, possession and destruction of properties.
Also signed was the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026, which is intended to streamline tax administration, eliminate multiple taxation and establish a more coordinated revenue collection system to encourage investment and business growth.
Oborevwori emphasised that meaningful development extends beyond the provision of physical infrastructure to include policies that directly improve the lives and welfare of citizens.
He commended the Delta State House of Assembly for its collaboration in the legislative process and called on relevant government agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the newly enacted laws.
Presenting the bills for the governor’s assent, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the legislations would strengthen governance, improve the administration of justice and provide greater protection for property owners and investors.
Guwor explained that the Thirteenth Month Salary Law establishes the framework for the payment of the additional salary benefit to eligible public servants, while the judicial amendments are expected to improve the efficiency of the courts.
He added that the property protection legislation would reinforce safeguards for public and private assets, while the revenue law would support a more efficient and harmonised tax administration system.
In her remarks, the outgoing Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. Mininim Oseji, welcomed the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, describing it as a significant intervention in promoting workers’ welfare and improving the wellbeing of their families.
Oseji said the additional salary benefit could also stimulate commercial activities by increasing workers’ purchasing power and supporting local businesses.
She commended Oborevwori for introducing the policy, describing it as a positive development for public servants and residents of the state.
The signing ceremony was attended by top government officials and judicial representatives, including the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai, represented by Justice Briki Okolosi; and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, represented by Justice Tracy Uriah.
Others present were 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; members of the State Executive Council; and other senior government officials.
The enactment of the five laws marks a further step in the state government’s efforts to strengthen public administration, improve workers’ welfare and establish a more effective legal and fiscal framework for Delta State’s development.
