The Delta State Government has rolled out a sweeping ban on bushy beards, fake nails, dyed hair, long eyelashes, and other forms of “indecent dressing” among public servants.
Announced in a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, the directive insists that civil servants must appear in neat, professional, and modest attire that reflects their rank in the service.
Male staff are barred from growing bushy beards or wearing certain traditional caps such as “Resource Control” and “Papas” caps. Female workers can no longer wear artificial braided or dyed (tainted) hair, fake nails, or long eyelashes.
The circular sets strict new dress standards: senior officers must appear in full corporate suits, while junior staff are restricted to trousers, shirts, and ties. Traditional attire is allowed only on Fridays or special occasions, and it must be clean, modest, and decent.
For female workers, permitted clothing includes trouser suits, skirt suits, or gowns that fall below the knee with proper sleeves. Revealing outfits, spaghetti straps, or any dress exposing cleavage are strictly prohibited.
Heads of departments have been ordered to enforce compliance immediately, with powers to send offenders home to change or impose disciplinary sanctions.
The circular declared:
“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.
“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 to check 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.’”
The rules, spelled out in detail for every civil service grade level, emphasize modesty and discipline.
“All female dressing should be with decorum, devoid of any provocative exposure of cleavage. Braided or tainted hair, long eyelashes, and artificial nails are prohibited,” it added.
The Oborevwori administration warned that the policy would be strictly enforced, with erring civil servants risking immediate sanctions.
