The Delta State Government has reviewed the dress code for civil servants, warning that improper dressing in the public service will no longer be tolerated.
While issuing the new directive the government ban what it described as “indecent appearance” among public servants, including bushy beards, artificial braided or dyed hair, long eyelashes, and fake nails.
The ban was contained in a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, workers were ordered to maintain a neat, professional, and modest look that reflects their positions. Heads of departments have been instructed to send erring staff home to change or risk sanctions.
According to the circular “In an effort to address the unpleasant practice of improper dressing that has become commonplace in the State Public Service, it is instructive to announce a review of the existing dress code… for the purpose of upholding decency in the appearance of Public Servants across the State.”
The Approved Dress Codes are, Male Civil Servants
• GL 13 and above: Complete suits (except uniformed officers).
• GL 07–12: Suits or trousers, shirt, and tie (Administrative Officers must always be in suits).
• GL 01–06: As above, or uniforms for drivers, operators, etc.
• Traditional attire only on Fridays/special events (senator suits, caftans, native shirts with trousers).
• Note: Resource Control and Papas caps are banned; bushy beards are prohibited.
For the Female Civil Servants the dress codes are
• GL 13 and above: Trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns below the knee (no hats).
• GL 07–12: As above, or gowns/skirts with blouses (must have sleeves; sleeveless/spaghetti straps banned).
• GL 01–06: Free gowns with sleeves, or skirt and blouse as above.
• Traditional attire only on Fridays/special occasions (Buba and wrapper, skirts with blouses, or African gowns with sleeves).
• Note: No artificial braided/tainted hair, long eyelashes, fake nails, or cleavage-revealing outfits.
The government stressed that senior officers must “lead by example” in dressing appropriately and warned that “sanctions may be invoked to check the ugly trend.”
