By John Umeh
The Delta State Government has issued a revised dress code for public servants, warning that improper dressing will no longer be tolerated in the state’s civil service.
In a circular released on Thursday by the Office of the Head of Service and shared through the Governor’s New Media Office, the government said the decision was part of efforts to promote decency, discipline, and professionalism within the workforce.
The new directive updates the long-standing dress code of March 12, 2009, citing widespread cases of indecent or inappropriate dressing among workers. It specifically instructs senior officers to lead by example, noting that department heads and permanent secretaries must ensure compliance or sanction defaulters under Public Service Rule No. 04314, which prohibits officers from appearing in official capacity in “inappropriate or immodest” attire.
Rules for Male Workers:
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Officers on Grade Level (GL) 13 and above are required to wear full suits, while those on GL 07–12 may wear trousers, shirts, and ties if not in suits. Administrative officers, however, must always appear in suits.
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Junior staff on GL 01–06 must also appear in formal attire unless assigned to uniformed roles like drivers or operators.
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Traditional attire such as senator suits or caftans is allowed only on Fridays and special occasions, but with matching caps. Bushy beards and “papa’s caps” have been explicitly prohibited.
Rules for Female Workers:
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Female officers on GL 13 and above must wear corporate suits or gowns below knee length. Hats are not permitted, and trousers must form part of a suit.
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Officers on GL 07–12 are allowed skirts and blouses with sleeves or free gowns, provided they extend below the knee. Sleeveless tops, spaghetti straps, and provocative clothing are forbidden.
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Traditional attire is allowed on Fridays and special occasions, but only if designed with proper sleeves.
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Artificial nails, extremely long eyelashes, tinted or flamboyant hairstyles, and excessive body exposure are all banned.
The government directed all heads of departments to enforce the new code immediately, warning that any civil servant who fails to comply should be sent home to change or risk disciplinary measures.
According to the circular, the reform is aimed at reshaping workplace culture in line with Delta State’s broader push for accountability and professionalism. It also mirrors wider state laws discouraging indecent dressing in public spaces.
By tightening standards, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration hopes to restore dignity to the public service and present civil servants as models of discipline and respectability.
