The Delta State Government has introduced a comprehensive review of the dress code for its civil servants, implementing stricter guidelines to promote decorum and professionalism in the public service. The newly released circular, signed by the Office of the Head of Service and circulated by the Governor’s New Media Office on Thursday, underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the appearance of its employees.
The updated dress code, which replaces the 2009 version, aims to curb what officials describe as the growing trend of improper dressing among civil servants. The circular highlights that this measure is essential to fostering a more disciplined and respectable image for the state’s public service. It encourages senior officers to lead by example, ensuring that lower-ranking officials adhere to the revised guidelines. Senior public servants are urged to enforce the standards and implement disciplinary measures where necessary, with sanctions stipulated under the Public Service Rule No.04314, which forbids inappropriate or immodest attire.
For male civil servants, the new dress code specifies that officers on Grade Level 13 and above must wear complete suits, while those on Grade Levels 07-12 are allowed to wear trousers, shirts, and ties. Traditional attire is only permitted on Fridays and special occasions, with smart senator suits, modern caftans, or native shirts with trousers deemed acceptable. However, bushy beards, resource control caps, and papas caps are prohibited, reinforcing a push for a more uniform and tidy appearance.
Female civil servants, on the other hand, are required to wear trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns for those on Grade Level 13 and above. For lower-ranking female staff, acceptable attire includes free gowns or skirts below the knee with matching blouses, with sleeveless or spaghetti strap tops banned. Traditional attire, including buba and wrapper, skirts with blouses, or gowns made from African fabrics, is allowed only on Fridays or during special occasions, provided they maintain proper sleeve lengths. Additionally, the new policy bans artificial nails, long eyelashes, and tainted or braided hair, promoting a natural and professional look.
To enforce compliance, heads of departments are empowered to send staff home if they fail to adhere to the dress code, compelling them to dress appropriately before returning to work. The government has also tasked Permanent Secretaries and department heads with ensuring that the new rules are well-publicized and strictly followed. This move is in line with Delta State’s broader effort to align the public service with societal expectations and to foster a culture of professionalism.
The dress code review comes amid existing legal frameworks in Delta State, such as laws against indecent exposure under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, reinforcing the government’s stance on maintaining appropriate attire within both public and professional spheres.
