Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has disclosed that he earns a monthly salary of ₦503,000, while Permanent Secretaries in the state receive ₦900,000.
Oborevwori made the disclosure on Thursday during the inauguration of 12 four-bedroom terraced duplexes for Permanent Secretaries in Asaba, the state capital. He also presented official vehicles to the 12 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries. The governor explained that his administration increased the salaries of Permanent Secretaries after they complained about the small difference between their earnings and those of some directors in the state civil service.
Oborevwori explains Permanent Secretaries’ salary increase
According to Oborevwori, the salary adjustment followed concerns raised by Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service. He said some directors were earning almost the same amount as senior officials. The governor said the government responded by increasing the salaries of Permanent Secretaries. He added that the Head of Service currently earns about ₦1 million monthly.
“When the Permanent Secretaries said most of the Directors are receiving almost the same thing with them, we increased their money. Today, Permanent Secretaries… Your salary is 900, my salary is 503,000, Governor’s salary.
“Head of Service is one million. It’s clear. So, you know some of them don’t want their husbands to know how much they are receiving,” he said.
Delta provides vehicles, housing support for civil servants
Oborevwori also highlighted some of the welfare programmes introduced for civil servants across the state. He said the government had provided official vehicles to serving Permanent Secretaries to improve their mobility and work efficiency.
“To enhance their mobility and operational efficiency, we provided official vehicles to serving Permanent Secretaries. And today, it is my pleasure to present another 12 vehicles to the Permanent Secretaries that were recently sworn in,” he said.
The governor disclosed that 302 beneficiaries had received support through the Public Officers’ Vehicle Loan Scheme. Another 119 people had benefited from the Public Officers’ Housing Loan Scheme. He also said the government had provided farm inputs to civil servants interested in agriculture. According to him, the initiative would help workers create additional income while supporting food security.
In addition, 450 senior management staff received support to attend a seven-weekend training programme. The programme was organised through collaborations with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.
12 Permanent Secretaries appointed across Delta
Oborevwori said the appointment of 12 Permanent Secretaries in May had strengthened the state civil service. He explained that the appointments ensured that every local government area had a Permanent Secretary. The governor also defended the selection process. He insisted that the appointments were based on merit and not political recommendations.
“The process was properly done. Not by saying, even the one that was appointed in my place, I don’t even know the person. All the Permanent Secretaries appointed, no one was recommended by anybody, but by merit,” he said.
Delta approves 13th-month salary for workers
The governor also disclosed that Delta State had approved a 13th-month salary for civil servants. The payment will begin in December this year. Oborevwori said the government was preparing an executive bill to give the policy legal backing. He explained that the move would ensure the payment continues after his administration leaves office.
“Not to forget that recently we approved the payment of 13th month salary for civil servants, beginning from December this year.
“It might interest you to know that we are in the process of sending an executive bill to the Delta State House of Assembly to give this gesture legal backing.
“So, it is something that is compulsory. By the time it has legal backing, even when I leave office in 2031, they will still be paying you your 13th month salary,” he added.
Oborevwori also said Delta was among the first states to implement the national minimum wage. He said the state agreed to pay the new wage in full after consultations with key officials and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Governor warns against corruption, absenteeism
The governor urged civil servants and political appointees to avoid absenteeism, nepotism, waste and inefficiency. He also warned against bribery and corruption. He said his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure and other projects. According to him, the goal is to improve resource use, operational efficiency and service delivery.
Oborevwori also urged residents of the government quarters to maintain the facilities. He called for proper cleanliness and adequate security around the newly inaugurated duplexes.
Read also: Delta govt suspends commissioner over alleged assault on governor’s aide
