Delta Government Tightens Dress Code For Public Servants, Bans Bushy Beards, Artificial Nails, Provocative Outfits

THE Delta State Government has reviewed its dress code for public servants, rolling out stricter rules to promote decency, discipline, and professionalism across the state’s workforce.

In a circular released on Thursday via the government’s official X handle, authorities said the revised guidelines were necessary to address the rising trend of “improper dressing” within the public service. The directive also invoked Public Service Rule No. 04314, which prescribes sanctions for officers who fail to comply.

Male Officers: Suits, Grooming Standards, and Restrictions

For male staff:

• Grade Levels 13 and above must appear in complete suits, except for uniformed personnel.

• Levels 07 to 12 are required to wear suits or trousers with shirts and ties.

• Administrative Officers must always be in full suits.

• Levels 01 to 06 are to dress in trousers and shirts, while drivers and plant operators should appear in uniforms.

Traditional attire such as senator suits, caftans, or native shirts with caps will only be permitted on Fridays and designated occasions. However, resource control and papas caps are banned, and bushy beards are prohibited.

Female Officers: Corporate Wear Only

Female staff face equally strict rules:

• Grade Levels 13 and above must wear trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns below the knee. Trousers are allowed only as part of a suit.

• Levels 07 to 12 may wear gowns with sleeves below the knee, or skirts with blouses.

• Levels 01 to 06 are expected to adhere to similar corporate standards.

Traditional attire — including buba and wrapper, Ankara gowns, or other cultural outfits — is restricted to Fridays and special occasions, provided they have proper sleeves.

The government explicitly banned sleeveless or spaghetti-strap dresses, cleavage-revealing outfits, tinted or braided hair, long eyelashes, and artificial nails.

Enforcement Measures

Heads of Departments have been directed to strictly enforce compliance, with erring officers facing penalties ranging from being sent home to sterner disciplinary measures. Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments must also ensure the circular is widely publicised across ministries and agencies.

According to the state government, the revised dress code aims to instill discipline, preserve cultural values, and project a professional image of Delta’s civil service.