The circular stressed that senior officers must “lead by example” …
By TheInvestigator
The Delta State Government has introduced a strict dress code for public servants, banning bushy beards, artificial braided or dyed hair, long eyelashes, fake nails, and other forms of what it described as “indecent appearance.”
The directive was issued in a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, which ordered all civil servants to dress neatly, modestly, and professionally in line with their ranks.
Under the new rules, male officers on Grade Levels (GLs) 13 and above must appear in full corporate suits, while those on GLs 07–12 are permitted to wear suits or trousers with shirts and ties. Junior staff (GLs 01–06) are expected to dress similarly, except drivers and plant operators who may wear uniforms. Traditional attire is only allowed on Fridays and special occasions, but “Resource Control” and “Papas” caps, along with bushy beards, are banned.
Female officers on GL 13 and above must wear trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns that fall below the knee and have sleeves. Those on GLs 07–12 may wear gowns or skirts with blouses, while junior staff must also dress conservatively. Outfits exposing cleavage, spaghetti straps, or sleeveless clothes are prohibited. Braided or dyed hair, fake nails, and long eyelashes are also outlawed.
The circular stressed that senior officers must “lead by example” and warned that any public servant who flouts the new rules risks sanctions under Public Service Rule No. 04314, which forbids indecent dressing while on duty.
Heads of departments have been directed to enforce the directive immediately by sending inappropriately dressed staff home to change before resuming work.
According to the circular, the measure is aimed at “upholding decency in the appearance of public servants” and correcting what it described as the “unpleasant practice of improper dressing” in the state civil service.