By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
The proposed 13th-month salary for Delta State civil servants and the state’s ongoing empowerment initiatives are expected to strengthen purchasing power and stimulate economic activities, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has said.
Aniagwu made the statement on Friday during a press briefing in Asaba while explaining the economic rationale behind several initiatives of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
The commissioner said the government’s empowerment programme was designed to put money in the hands of residents, particularly low-income earners and small-scale business operators.
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He said councillors had been directed to empower 200 people in each ward, a policy he said could reach at least 100,000 people across approximately 500 wards.
Aniagwu estimated that the programme would inject about N5 billion into the grassroots economy.
He said the intervention would increase residents’ ability to purchase goods and services while giving small businesses a stronger customer base.
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Aniagwu also commended the Delta State House of Assembly for expediting consideration of the executive bill on the 13th-month salary.
According to him, once assented to by Governor Oborevwori, the legislation would institutionalise payment of the additional annual salary to civil servants.
He said the policy should be viewed as part of a broader economic strategy aimed at increasing disposable income, stimulating consumption and supporting businesses.
The commissioner also cited improvements in salary and pension payment arrangements, as as the financial capacity to mobilise contractors, as evidence of the state’s improved fiscal position.
He said Delta-owned universities had also experienced greater stability in their academic activities.
Aniagwu maintained that the combination of income-support measures and improved fiscal management was intended to ease pressure on households while creating a stronger environment for investment.