By Oghenefejiro Emado
15, September 2026
Civil servants in Delta State can now heave a sigh of relief as the era of uncertainty over year-end bonuses appears to be over.
The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday made history by passing an Executive Bill that seeks to institutionalize the payment of thirteenth-month salary to workers in the state public service.
The bill was passed into law during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, after it scaled third reading.
The passage followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Edafe Emakpor, said the bill was designed to boost the morale, productivity and general welfare of public servants in the state through a binding legal framework.
He explained that institutionalizing the payment would remove the discretionary nature of the bonus and give workers a sense of financial security at the end of every year.
Following the adoption of the committee’s report, the House suspended relevant sections of its Standing Orders to allow for accelerated consideration and passage of the bill.
The motion for suspension was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by Hon. Edafe Emakpor, member representing Uvwie Constituency.
With the suspension, the bill was read for the third time and unanimously passed by members.
In his remarks after the passage, Speaker Guwor commended lawmakers for their support, noting that the Assembly had once again demonstrated that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people.
He said the landmark legislation affirms the administration of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as a welfare-driven and worker-friendly government.
According to Guwor, the payment of thirteenth-month salary to Delta State workers has now come to stay.
He expressed optimism that the new law would significantly enhance workers’ morale, increase productivity, and improve service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies in the state.
The Speaker also lauded Governor Oborevwori for his foresight and commitment in initiating the welfare policy for diligent public servants.
The new law, when assented to by the Governor, is expected to provide legal certainty for the annual payment and further strengthen the welfare package for workers in Delta State.
