The Delta State Government has announced a review of the dress code for public servants, warning that inappropriate dressing will no longer be tolerated in the state civil service.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service and released by the Governor’s New Media Office on Thursday.
It said the new rules were aimed at “upholding decency in the appearance of Public Servants across the State.”
The circular recalled the earlier dress code of March 12, 2009, but stressed that “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.”
Senior civil servants, the circular noted, are expected to lead by example in enforcing the rules. “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 towards checkmating 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.’”
For male officers, the directive stated:
“All officers on GLs 13 and above should appear at work in Complete Suits, except for uniform officers as given.
“All officers on SGLs 07-12 should appear as in (i) above or in a Pair of Trousers, Shirt and Tie, except all Administrative Officers who should always be in Suit.
“All officers on SGLs 01-06 should appear as in A(i) or A(ii) above, except for uniformed staff e.g. Drivers, Plant Operators etc; who should always be in their Uniforms; and in the absence of uniforms, should put on Trousers and Shirts to work.
“Also, traditional attire for male officers shall be permissible only on Fridays and on special occasions; and such includes Smart Senator Suits, Modern Caftans or Native Shirts with matching Trousers, complemented by the appropriate Traditional Cap.”
The circular further stated: “Resource Control and Papas Caps are prohibited; while Bushy beards are proscribed.”
On female officers, the government said:
“All officers on SGLs 13 and above should appear at work on Trouser Suits, Skirt Suits or Corporate Gowns below the knee level (No hats); and all Trousers Must come in Suits.
“All officers on SGLs 07-12 should appear either as in B(i) above or in free Gowns below the knee level with Sleeves, or Skirts below the knee level and Blouse with sleeves to match (sleeveless or spaghetti hands are prohibited).
“All officers on SGLs 01-06 should appear as in free Gowns with Sleeves, or Skirt and Blouse as described in B(ii) above.
“Also, traditional attire for female officers shall be permissible only on Fridays and on special occasions; and such includes Traditional costumes such as Buba and Wrapper, Skirts with Blouses, or Gowns fashioned from African fabrics, provided such garments have proper sleeves.”
The circular also warned that “all female dressing should be with decorum devoid of any provocative exposure of cleavages. Meanwhile, braided or tainted hair; long eye lashes and artificial nails are prohibited.”
To ensure compliance, the directive empowered heads of departments to send home erring officers.
“Suffice it to state that this circular is intended to promote discipline in dressing culture among Public Servants. To enforce strict adherence to the revised dress code therefore, it behooves all Heads of Departments to execute these provisions; and not hesitate in directing any erring officer that is inappropriately attired to return home, dress decently and resume duty promptly; or risk more stringent sanctions from the Accounting Officer forthwith.”
It added: “Accordingly, all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments are enjoined to give the content of this Circular the much-desired publicity for staff guidance and strict adherence, please.”
The review reflects government’s push to instill professionalism, discipline and improved work culture across the state civil service.