The Delta State Government has officially signed into law a new directive aimed at promoting professionalism and decorum in the public sector, prohibiting all public servants from wearing indecent or inappropriate attire while on official duty.
Male staff under the government’s employ have been banned from keeping bushy beards or wearing “Resource Control” or “Papas” caps to the office.
Meanwhile, female staff are forbidden from fixing artificial braided or dyed hair, wearing long eyelashes, fake nails, wigs, and other fashion styles deemed improper.
The directive sets strict clothing standards, requiring senior officers to appear in full corporate suits, while junior staff must dress in trousers with shirts and ties.
Female employees are permitted to wear trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns that fall below the knee and adequately cover the shoulders. Sleeveless outfits, spaghetti straps, or dresses exposing cleavage are strictly prohibited.
Traditional attire is only permitted on Fridays or designated occasions, provided it is clean, decent, and modest.
In a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service on Thursday, the government stated that the move is intended to promote discipline and uphold professionalism within the public service.
According to the government, the new policy is aimed at curbing what it described as a rising trend of improper dressing among public servants in the state.
Heads of departments have been directed to enforce compliance, with erring staff liable to be sent home or sanctioned under the Public Service Rules if violations persist.
While the government maintains that the directive will promote decency, modesty, and professionalism in the workplace, the move has sparked debate among stakeholders, with critics questioning its impact on individual expression and cultural identity.
