ASABA: The Delta State Government has introduced a strict new dress code for public servants, outlawing bushy beards, artificial or dyed hair, long eyelashes, fake nails, and other forms of what it described as “indecent appearance.”
The directive, contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service, was endorsed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and discussed at Thursday’s State Executive Council meeting in Asaba.
It requires all civil servants to maintain a modest, neat, and professional look reflective of their status in the service.
Key Restrictions
-
Men: Prohibited from wearing Resource Control or Papas caps, and from keeping bushy beards. Officers from grade level 13 and above must appear in complete suits, while junior staff are expected to wear shirts with ties and trousers. Traditional attire is allowed only on Fridays and during special occasions.
-
Women: Artificial braided or tinted hair, fake nails, and long eyelashes are banned. Acceptable attire includes trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns below the knee with sleeves.
-
Revealing clothes, spaghetti straps, or any dress exposing cleavage are strictly forbidden. Traditional attire is also restricted to Fridays or approved events.
The circular emphasized that senior officers must set the tone for discipline in appearance by leading with example. Departmental heads have been directed to monitor compliance and to send home any staff found violating the rules. Persistent offenders may face sanctions under the Public Service Rules.
According to the circular, the revised code builds on an earlier 2009 dress policy but goes further in addressing “the unpleasant practice of improper dressing” among workers.
It stated: This circular is intended to promote discipline in dressing culture among public servants. Heads of departments must not hesitate in directing any erring officer that is inappropriately attired to return home, dress decently, and resume duty promptly, or risk more stringent sanctions.
Permanent Secretaries and heads of extra-ministerial departments have been instructed to publicize the new rules widely to ensure staff compliance.
The Oborevwori administration said the measure aligns with efforts to uphold professionalism and decorum in the state civil service.
