ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated his administration’s dedication to the prompt and sustainable payment of pensions and other employee entitlements, highlighting his efforts to settle pension obligations with over N14.5 billion disbursed so far.
Governor Oborevwori made this known during an interactive meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Parastatals, Departments, and Agencies at the Unity Hall in Government House, Asaba, on Thursday. He urged top civil servants to align closely with his administration’s MORE Agenda to ensure effective governance and development across the state.
Emphasizing his commitment to improving workers’ welfare, the governor disclosed his proactive stance on the new minimum wage, stating that his administration was awaiting the necessary framework for implementation. “I have made a lot of efforts to see that we work together to move our state forward. I want everyone to be happy as we are working,” he said.
Highlighting key achievements since taking office, Governor Oborevwori recalled his administration’s efforts to clear promotion arrears, stating that N5.5 billion had been paid in four tranches to resolve the issue. He also emphasized his commitment to timely salary payments, noting that, under his leadership, workers are consistently paid before the end of each month, with salaries disbursed as early as the 26th.
The governor further underscored his focus on workforce development through continuous training and capacity building. “I have always approved memos on training because I encourage it. I have also approved funds for the public officers’ loan scheme,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori also reflected on measures taken to improve the welfare of public servants, including the provision of vehicles to Permanent Secretaries and the approval of an extra N10,000 payment for workers following the removal of the fuel subsidy. This initiative, aimed at easing the financial burden on workers, has been extended for three months.
Acknowledging Delta State’s high wage bill, second only to Lagos State, the governor revealed that the state employs approximately 55,000 workers, making effective financial management a priority.
However, Governor Oborevwori did not shy away from addressing misconduct within the civil service, particularly among top bureaucrats. He cautioned them against colluding with contractors to deliver substandard projects. “You connive with contractors to do bad jobs. You promise contractors that you will review their contracts for them. Do you have powers to do reviews?” he asked pointedly.
He also condemned the practice of bureaucrats seeking personal financial gain from contracts, warning that such actions undermine project supervision and the quality of public infrastructure. “You award a contract to a contractor and then want to handle the drainage attached to the road. Who will supervise the contractor? You even go further to issue certificates for badly done jobs,” the governor lamented.
Governor Oborevwori expressed frustration with approving overly ambitious projects that do not match the needs of certain communities, citing instances where classrooms are built in villages with populations too small to utilize them. He called for better project planning to ensure resources are allocated where they are most needed.
In conclusion, the governor urged all top civil servants to uphold integrity and accountability, stressing that his administration is committed to fostering development across Delta State.
