Delta State: Governor Oborevwori Enacts 13th Month Salary Law 2026

• Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori signed five new laws on October 28, 2026, including the Delta State 13th Month Salary Law 2026.
• The new legislation aims to improve workers' welfare, strengthen the judiciary, protect property rights, and reform tax administration.
• Judicial appointments will increase, with High Court judges rising from 46 to 50 and Customary Court of Appeal judges from nine to 12.
• The Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law enhances safeguards against unlawful property occupation and destruction.
• The Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law 2026 will harmonize tax administration and curb multiple taxation to promote investment.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Delta State should review the newly enacted 13th Month Salary Law for employment and payroll implications, the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law for real estate and land dispute matters, and the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law for tax compliance, to ensure clients are advised on new obligations and protections.

On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State enacted five significant pieces of legislation, including the pivotal Delta State 13th Month Salary Law 2026. This legislative action, undertaken at the Executive Council Chambers within Government House, Asaba, forms a core component of his administration's broader commitment to reforms under the MORE Agenda. The Governor articulated that these new laws are designed to bolster public institutions, enhance service delivery, and foster economic development across the state.

The comprehensive package of laws aims to address several critical areas, ranging from improving the welfare of public sector employees to strengthening the judicial system and reforming the state's tax administration. Governor Oborevwori emphasized that these measures extend beyond mere infrastructure development, focusing instead on policy frameworks that directly improve the lives of citizens. The signing ceremony was attended by key judicial figures, including representatives of the Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, alongside legislative leaders such as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, and various commissioners and senior government officials, underscoring the collaborative effort behind these reforms.

Among the newly signed legislation, the Delta State 13th Month Salary Law 2026 stands out, establishing a new benefit for eligible public servants. Governor Oborevwori highlighted that this initiative is intended to significantly boost workers' morale, acknowledge their contributions, and ultimately enhance productivity within the public sector. The outgoing Delta Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, further affirmed the law's potential to improve workers' welfare and family wellbeing, predicting a positive ripple effect on business activities throughout the state.

Further strengthening the state's legal framework, the Governor also signed amendments leading to a Delta State judicial appointments increase. Specifically, the number of High Court judges will rise from 46 to 50, and Customary Court of Appeal judges will increase from nine to 12. These adjustments are aimed at improving justice delivery and enhancing the overall efficiency of the courts. Additionally, the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law was enacted to reinforce safeguards against the unlawful occupation and destruction of properties, providing greater security for assets. Concurrently, the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law 2026 was introduced to streamline tax administration, combat multiple taxation, and create a more attractive environment for investment, marking a significant Delta State tax administration reform.

The enactment of these new laws by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori carries substantial implications for various sectors within Delta State. The Delta State 13th Month Salary Law 2026 directly impacts public sector employees, promising improved financial stability and motivation, which could translate into enhanced public service delivery. This move is expected to not only benefit individual workers but also stimulate local economies through increased consumer spending.

For legal professionals and businesses, the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law introduces reinforced protections, necessitating a review of existing property management and dispute resolution strategies. Similarly, the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law 2026 signals a new era for tax compliance and administration, requiring businesses and individuals to adapt to harmonized tax structures and reduced instances of multiple taxation. The Delta State judicial appointments increase, by expanding the number of judges, is poised to alleviate caseloads and expedite legal processes, thereby improving access to justice for all citizens. Lawyers and compliance officers in Delta State should review the newly enacted 13th Month Salary Law for employment and payroll implications, the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law for real estate and land dispute matters, and the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law for tax compliance, to ensure clients are advised on new obligations and protections.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Delta State should review the newly enacted 13th Month Salary Law for employment and payroll implications, the Public and Private Properties Protection Amendment Law for real estate and land dispute matters, and the Delta State Revenue Service (Consolidated) Law for tax compliance, to ensure clients are advised on new obligations and protections.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers