The Working People United (WoPU), a pro-labour coalition of workers, professionals, and artisans, has applauded the Delta State Government under Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for approving a new salary structure for tertiary institution workers.
WoPU described the Governor’s decision as “a bold, people-centred move that demonstrates genuine commitment to worker welfare and the dignity of labour.”
The coalition noted that the initiative sets a benchmark for other state governments, agencies, parastatals, and private-sector employers to follow.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, by its Coordinator-General, Comrade (Prince) Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, WoPU urged employers of labour across the country not to wait for federal government’s pronouncements on wage increases but to introduce new packages and incentives within their establishments to working persons under them.
It stressed that such measures would help cushion the impact of the global economic crisis, which continues to affect Nigeria.
Akporeha further argued that state governments and sectors benefiting from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s socio-economic reforms should channel part of their gains into palliatives and welfare programmes for workers, thereby advancing prosperity and reducing poverty nationwide.
Governor Oborevwori had earlier announced that the new salary structure for academic staff of the state’s four universities would take effect from August 2026, with non-academic staff and other tertiary institutions benefiting from September 2026.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, including the construction of hostels across nine state-owned tertiary institutions.
WoPU praised the Governor for these initiatives and described him as a sensitive leader worthy of emulation.
The coalition reassured Nigeria working people that “there is dignity in labour,” emphasizing that enhanced welfare packages are both achievable and necessary given the increased revenues now available to states and some sectors of the economy.
It added that improved incentives would strengthen productivity, drive national development, and reduce crime and other disruptive behaviours that undermine progress.
By urging proactive action at state and institutional levels, WOPU underscored that investing in working people is a direct investment in Nigeria’s stability and future growth.
