By Joe Udo
ASABA (CONVERSEER) – The Delta State Government has issued a new directive banning what it described as “indecent appearance” among public servants, including bushy beards, artificial braided or dyed hair, long eyelashes, and fake nails.
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.
The circular read in part: “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.”
Approved Dress Code:
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.
Female Civil Servants
• 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.”
