Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has 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 the state’s revenue administration.

The governor signed the bills at Government House, Asaba on Wednesday in the presence of the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Tessy Diai, who was represented by Justice Briki Okolosi, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, who was represented by Justice Tracy Uriah, the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, and other government officials and stakeholders

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Oborevwori said the laws reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening public institutions, improving service delivery and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and development.

He described the enactment of the laws as part of broader efforts to ensure that governance translated into tangible benefits for residents, workers, investors and other stakeholders in the state.

On the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, the governor said the initiative was designed to recognise the contributions of public servants, boost their morale and encourage greater commitment to their duties.

According to him, improving workers’ welfare remains an important component of effective governance, as motivated workers are better positioned to deliver quality services and contribute to the achievement of government policies.

Among the bills signed into law were amendments to the laws governing the composition of the Delta State High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal.

The amendments increased the number of High Court judges in the state from 46 to 50, while the number of judges of the Customary Court of Appeal was raised from nine to 12.

The governor said the amendments were intended to strengthen the judicial system, improve the administration of justice and enhance the capacity of the courts to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

Oborevwori also signed the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law, which is aimed at strengthening safeguards against unlawful occupation, encroachment and destruction of properties.

The governor said the legislation would reinforce the protection of property rights and provide a stronger framework for addressing activities that threaten legally recognised ownership and the security of assets.

The governor said safeguarding property was essential to building public confidence and creating an environment in which individuals and businesses could pursue legitimate economic activities without undue fear of unlawful interference.

Another major legislation signed by the governor was the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law, 2026.
The law is designed to harmonise the state’s revenue administration framework, improve coordination in tax collection, curb multiple taxation and create a more favourable environment for businesses and investors.

Oborevwori said an efficient and coordinated revenue system was necessary to support economic growth, improve compliance and ensure that the state’s revenue administration operated in a more organised and transparent manner.

Presenting the bills to the governor for assent, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the legislation was designed to strengthen governance, improve justice delivery, protect property and promote economic development.

Guwor said the Thirteenth Month Salary Law provides for the payment of the benefit to eligible public servants, describing it as an important measure to improve workers’ welfare and recognise their contributions to the state.

Meanwhile, the outgoing Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. Mininim Oseji, has described the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, as a significant boost to workers’ welfare and family wellbeing.

Oseji welcomed the initiative, saying it would provide additional financial support to eligible public servants and help them meet some of their household and family responsibilities.