The Delta State Government has introduced a new dress code for civil servants aimed at promoting discipline and modesty in the workplace.
The directive prohibits bushy beards, artificial braided or dyed hair, long eyelashes, fake nails, and other forms of what the government describes as “indecent appearance.”
Issued by the Office of the Head of Service, the circular mandates that all public servants maintain neat, professional, and modest attire that reflects their rank and position. Heads of departments have been instructed to monitor compliance and send anyone who violates the rules home to change before returning to work. Persistent defiance may attract disciplinary action.
The circular states: “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 contained in circular letter No. HOS. 15/13/74 of 12th March, 2009, for the purpose of upholding decency in the appearance of Public Servants across the State.
“It is also very important to underscore the vital role expected of senior public servants in revising the said anomaly through leading examples of appropriate dressing culture that demonstrates decorum to guide and correct subordinates; and whenever lapses are observed, sanctions may be invoked to check the ugly trend, based on the Public Service Rule No. 04314, which states inter alia: ‘No Officer shall appear in the office or anywhere in his official capacity attired in a manner deemed inappropriate or immodest.'”
