My salary is ₦503,000, Permanent Secretaries earn ₦900,000, Delta governor

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has disclosed that his monthly salary stands at ₦503,000, a figure lower than the ₦900,000 monthly earnings of Permanent Secretaries within the state civil service. Oborevwori made this revelation on Thursday during the inauguration of housing units and the presentation of official vehicles to newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in Asaba.

During the event, the governor explained that the salaries of Permanent Secretaries were recently adjusted upwards. This decision followed complaints from the Permanent Secretaries that some directors were earning nearly the same amount, creating a disparity. "Today, Permanent Secretaries… Your salary is 900, my salary is 503,000, Governor’s salary. Head of Service is one million. It’s clear," Oborevwori stated, adding that some recipients might prefer their spouses not know their exact earnings.

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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.

Governor Oborevwori emphasized his administration's commitment to prioritizing the welfare of civil servants since assuming office. He noted that official vehicles had previously been supplied to serving Permanent Secretaries to enhance their mobility and operational efficiency, and he was pleased to present an additional 12 vehicles to the recently sworn-in officials. Beyond vehicles, Oborevwori highlighted support provided through loan schemes, with 302 beneficiaries receiving assistance under the Public Officers’ Vehicle Loan Scheme and 119 benefiting from the Public Officers’ Housing Loan Scheme.

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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.

Further illustrating the administration's focus on civil servant well-being, Oborevwori mentioned support for those venturing into farming to supplement income and improve food security. Additionally, 450 senior management staff have received training through collaborations with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria. The governor also affirmed that the appointment of 12 new Permanent Secretaries in May ensured representation from every local government area, emphasizing that these appointments were based purely on merit, not recommendations.

Oborevwori also reiterated Delta State's position as one of the first states to implement the national minimum wage, which was agreed upon after consultations with key stakeholders, including the Head of Service, Commissioner for Information, and the Nigeria Labour Congress. He also pointed to the recent approval of a 13th-month salary for civil servants, commencing in December.

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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.