Gov. Oborevwori Eyes First-Ever 13th-Month Salary for Delta Civil Servants

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed his desire to become the first governor in the state's history to introduce a 13th-month salary for civil servants, reaffirming his administration's commitment to improving workers' welfare.

Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori

The governor made the declaration during the 2026 Public Service Week Dinner and Awards Night held in Asaba, where he also announced enhanced rewards for outstanding public servants in recognition of excellence and dedication to duty.

Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori said the theme of this year's Public Service Week, "Reforms, Resilience and Results," reflects the values driving his administration's MORE Agenda. According to him, meaningful reforms can only succeed when civil servants are properly motivated, supported, and provided with the tools needed to perform effectively.

Reaffirming his worker-friendly stance, the governor disclosed that welfare-related memos receive special attention in his office. He explained that he consistently approves requests aimed at improving the wellbeing of workers because of the important role the state's workforce plays in implementing government policies and programmes.

Beyond the proposed 13th-month salary, Governor Oborevwori highlighted several welfare initiatives already undertaken by his administration. These include the completion of Permanent Secretaries' Quarters, procurement of official vehicles for newly appointed permanent secretaries, plans to expand affordable housing for civil servants, and salary improvements of more than 50 percent for the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries.

As part of the celebration, the governor also announced that he would personally fund an increase in the cash prizes presented to award recipients, tripling the monetary value of the awards given to outstanding civil servants and winners of various competitions during the Public Service Week activities.

Governor Oborevwori commended the resilience and professionalism of Delta's civil servants, noting that their commitment has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of government programmes in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic development.

He also urged Permanent Secretaries and Directors to uphold professionalism, integrity, and due process in public administration. Describing them as the institutional memory of government, he advised them to provide proper guidance to political office holders while safeguarding the integrity of the civil service.

The announcement has generated optimism among workers, especially the proposed introduction of a 13th-month salary, which would mark a historic milestone if eventually implemented. Although the governor described it as an aspiration rather than an immediate policy, many civil servants see the pledge as another indication of the administration's continued emphasis on workers' welfare.

If fulfilled, the initiative would place Delta among the few Nigerian states offering an additional annual salary package to public servants, further strengthening the state's reputation for prioritising workforce motivation and productivity.