The Delta State House of Assembly yesterday passed an Executive Bill seeking to institutionalise the payment of a 13th-month salary to public servants in the state.
 
The passage of the bill followed its third reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
 
With the passage, Delta State is set to become the first state in Nigeria to provide a statutory framework backing the payment of a 13th-month salary to its public servants, thereby transforming the policy from an executive welfare initiative into an institutionalised legal entitlement.
 
The House had earlier suspended the relevant provisions of its Standing Orders to allow for the immediate consideration of the Executive Bill.
 
The motion for the suspension was moved by the Leader of the House, Emeka Nwaobi, and was subsequently adopted by members.
 
Presenting the report of the House Committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privileges before the passage, the committee Chairman, Edafe Emakpor, said the legislation was designed to provide a legal framework for the policy and strengthen the welfare and productivity of public servants across the state.
 
Emakpor said the bill was aimed at improving workers’ morale, productivity and overall well-being, while giving public servants greater assurance and certainty regarding the payment.
 
“The bill is aimed at improving the morale, productivity and overall well-being of public servants in Delta State,” he said.
 
Reacting shortly after the passage, the Speaker commended members of the Assembly for what he described as a bold and significant step towards strengthening workers’ welfare.
 
He said the decision demonstrated the commitment of the legislature and the state government to placing the well-being of citizens, particularly public servants, at the centre of governance.
 
According to the Speaker, the Assembly had once again demonstrated the constitutional principle that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people.