Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday signed five bills into law, including the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, in a move aimed at improving workers’ welfare, strengthening the judiciary, protecting property rights and reforming tax administration.
The governor signed the bills at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Asaba, describing the development as part of his administration’s commitment to reforms under the MORE Agenda.
Oborevwori said the new laws would strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery and promote economic development.
On the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, he said the initiative would boost workers’ morale, reward their contributions and improve productivity.
He also signed amendments increasing the number of High Court judges from 46 to 50 and Customary Court of Appeal judges from nine to 12 to improve justice delivery.
The governor said the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law would strengthen safeguards against unlawful occupation and destruction of properties.
On the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026, Oborevwori said it would harmonise tax administration, curb multiple taxation and promote investment.
He said development went beyond infrastructure to include policies that improve lives, and urged relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation of the laws.
Presenting the bills, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said they would strengthen governance, improve justice delivery and protect investments. He said the Thirteenth Month Salary Law provides for the benefit for eligible public servants, while the judicial amendments would enhance court efficiency and the property law would safeguard public and private assets.
The outgoing Delta Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, described the Thirteenth Month Salary Law as a boost to workers’ welfare and family wellbeing, saying it would stimulate business activities and thanking the governor for the initiative.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai, represented by Justice Briki Okolosi; the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, represented by Justice Tracy Uriah; Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; principal officers of the Assembly; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; the Secretary to the State Government; commissioners and other senior government officials.
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