THE Delta State Government has issued a new directive banning bushy beards, artificial braids or tainted hair, long eye lashes, artificial nails and other forms of ‘indecent appearance’ among public servants.
The ban was announced in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service, which stated that all public servants must now appear in neat, professional, and modest attire that reflects their grade level in the civil service.
According to the circular, male civil servants are no longer allowed to grow bushy beards or wear certain traditional caps, such as that popularly known as “Resource Control” or “Papas” caps. Female staff are now prohibited from coming to work with artificial braids or dyed (tainted) hair, long eyelashes and fake nails.
The directive also provides updated dress code standards. Senior officers are expected to wear full corporate suits, while junior officers must dress in trousers with shirts and ties. Traditional attire is permitted only on Fridays or for special events and must be clean, decent and modest.
For female public servants, acceptable clothing includes trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns that fall below the knee and have sleeves. Sleeveless outfits, ‘spaghetti’ straps, revealing clothing, and any dress that exposes the cleavage are strictly banned.
The government ordered heads of departments to monitor how workers dress and to send anyone who breaks the rules back home to change before returning to work, adding that anyone who refuses to follow the rule could face punishment.
The circular read: “In an effort to address the unpleasant practice of improper dressing that has become common place 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 March 12, 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.’
“Suffice 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, it behoves 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.
“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.”
