Delta govt legalises 13th-month salary to boost workers’ purchasing power, economic activity
Dep Gov Onyeme
BY NOSA AKENZUA, ASABA
The Delta State Government has revealed that the policy of the 13th-month salary for public servants was part of measures to improve workers’ purchasing power and stimulate economic activities in the state.
The Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba.
Aniagwu said the Delta State House of Assembly had passed an executive bill providing for the payment of the 13th-month salary, adding that the bill was awaiting the assent of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He explained that the proposed payment would be equivalent to workers’ full monthly salary and not limited to their basic salary.
According to him, the initiative would provide additional income for workers and help improve their ability to meet their financial needs amid current economic challenges.
Aniagwu said increased purchasing power would also stimulate economic activities, as workers would have more funds at their disposal to patronise businesses and purchase goods and services.
He added that the initiative was part of the state government’s broader efforts to cushion the effects of economic challenges and ensure that residents benefit from its ongoing reforms.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the state had commenced a grassroots empowerment programme targeting residents engaged in nano businesses.
He said councillors had been directed to empower 200 persons in each ward, with about 500 wards involved in the programme.
Aniagwu said the programme was expected to reach no fewer than 100,000 beneficiaries and inject about 5 billion Naira into the local economy.
He said the various interventions were aimed at strengthening economic activities at the grassroots and improving the welfare of residents across the state.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a stable economic environment, noting that sustained liquidity at the micro-level will continue to reduce socio-economic hardship and strengthen public infrastructure investments across Delta State.
