The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed an Executive Bill seeking to institutionalize the payment of thirteenth-month salary to public servants in the state.
The passage, described by the Assembly as a historic milestone in workers’ welfare, followed the Third Reading of the bill during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
The House had earlier suspended its relevant standing orders to enable immediate consideration of the bill.
The motion for suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi and adopted.
Reacting immediately after the passage, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor commended members of the House for taking what he described as a bold step towards strengthening workers’ welfare in the state.
Guwor said the Assembly had once again demonstrated that “the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people”, adding that the legislation underscored the commitment of the state government to the wellbeing of its workforce.
The Speaker noted that the passage further validated the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as “a welfare-oriented and worker-friendly government”.
According to him, the payment of thirteenth-month salary to public servants in Delta State “has come to stay,” expressing optimism that the policy would boost workers’ morale, enhance productivity and improve service delivery.
Rt. Hon. Guwor also commended Governor Oborevwori for his foresight in initiating the welfare policy, describing it as a significant gesture to appreciate the contributions of public servants to the development of the state.
Earlier in the proceedings, Hon. Edafe Emakpor, Chairman of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges, presented the committee’s report on the bill.
Hon. Emakpor said the legislation was designed to provide a legal framework for the policy and improve the welfare and productivity of workers in the state.
“The bill is aimed at improving the morale, productivity and overall wellbeing of public servants in Delta State”, he said, stressing that institutionalizing the payment would provide workers with greater assurance and certainty.
With the passage, Delta State becomes the first state in Nigeria to have a law providing a statutory framework for the payment of thirteenth-month salary to public servants.
The new law is expected to provide greater certainty and institutional backing for the annual payment, while further strengthening the welfare package of public servants and motivating them towards improved productivity and service delivery.