Delta State Government Introduces Strict New Dress Code for Public Servants

Public servants in Delta State will now face tougher rules on how they dress to work, as the state government has rolled out a reviewed dress code to enforce discipline and curb what it described as the rising trend of “improper dressing.”

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, the government made it clear that senior officers must lead by example, warning that sanctions would be applied under Public Service Rule No. 04314 for any officer who appears in inappropriate attire.

For male workers, the directive states that officers on Grade Level 13 and above must dress in full suits, except for uniformed staff. Those on Levels 07 to 12 are expected to wear suits or trousers with shirts and ties, while Administrative Officers must be in suits at all times. Staff on Levels 01 to 06 are also required to comply, though drivers and plant operators are restricted to uniforms or trousers and shirts.

Traditional wear such as senator suits, caftans, or native shirts with caps will only be permitted on Fridays and special occasions. The circular, however, bans resource control and papas caps, while bushy beards are also prohibited.

Female officers are not left out of the strict code. Women on Grade Level 13 and above are mandated to appear in trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns below the knee. For those on Levels 07 to 12, options include gowns with sleeves or skirts with blouses, while Levels 01 to 06 are expected to observe similar standards. Traditional attire like buba and wrapper, or African print gowns, will only be allowed on Fridays and special occasions, provided they have proper sleeves.

The guidelines also ban sleeveless or spaghetti-strap dresses, revealing cleavages, braided or tinted hair, artificial nails, and long eyelashes.

Heads of Departments have been ordered to enforce compliance, with warnings that defaulters may be sent home to change or face stiffer punishments. Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments have also been directed to give the circular wide publicity.

According to the Delta State Government, the reviewed dress code is meant to instill order, preserve the integrity of the service, and project a professional image of public officers.