Delta Makes 13th-Month Salary Permanent for Civil Servants

The Delta State Executive Council has approved the institutionalisation of the 13th-month salary for civil servants, a move that will make the annual bonus a permanent statutory benefit rather than a discretionary payment by successive administrations.

The decision was taken during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, with the government also approving the recruitment of additional teachers for public secondary schools and investments in technical education to strengthen learning outcomes across the state.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the council approved a memo presented by Governor Oborevwori seeking to guarantee the continued payment of the 13th-month salary through legislation.

According to Aniagwu, the approval clears the way for an executive bill to be transmitted to the Delta State House of Assembly, where lawmakers are expected to give the proposal legal backing.

He explained that once passed into law, the annual 13th-month salary would become a legal entitlement for civil servants, ensuring that future administrations cannot discontinue the benefit at will.

Aniagwu said the policy reflects the Oborevwori administration's commitment to improving workers' welfare and providing greater financial security for public servants.

The commissioner also disclosed that the Executive Council approved, in principle, the recruitment of more teachers to address shortages in public secondary schools, particularly in science-related subjects.

He said the Ministry of Secondary Education has been directed to immediately prepare a detailed proposal indicating the number of teachers required to fill existing vacancies across the state.

According to him, the recruitment is aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning in public schools while addressing manpower gaps that have affected the delivery of science education.

As part of efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education, the council also approved the procurement and installation of equipment for the Technical College in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

Aniagwu added that the government also approved plans to equip the Technical College in Irri once construction is completed, describing the projects as part of the administration's strategy to provide young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and industrial development.

He noted that the Executive Council equally approved several initiatives in the health and transport sectors, including the introduction of new transport routes across the state to improve connectivity and public service delivery.

The council also approved the appointment of HRM Goodnews Goodman Agbi, PhD, Athuaro I, as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area.

Aniagwu said the decisions reached during the meeting demonstrate the government's commitment to improving workers' welfare, expanding access to quality education, strengthening healthcare services and promoting sustainable development across Delta State.