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| Delta State enforces new public servant appearance rules |
The Delta State Government has banned public servants from wearing bushy beards, artificial braided or dyed hair, long eyelashes, and fake nails. The new rules call these appearances "indecent" .
The rules come from a circular released by the Office of the Head of Service. The circular says all public servants must wear neat and professional clothes. Their attire should match their rank in the civil service .
Male civil servants cannot grow bushy beards. They are also barred from wearing certain traditional caps. These include "Resource Control" or "Papas" caps. Female staff cannot use artificial braided or dyed hair. They are also banned from long eyelashes and fake nails .
The policy has different rules for different job levels. Senior officers must wear full corporate suits. Junior officers must wear trousers with shirts and ties. Traditional attire is allowed only on Fridays or special events. These clothes must be clean and modest .
Female public servants can wear trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns. These must fall below the knee and have sleeves. Sleeveless outfits and spaghetti straps are banned. Clothing that shows cleavage is not allowed .
Heads of departments must enforce the dress code. They can send workers home to change if they break the rules. Those who refuse may face punishment .
The government says the rules promote discipline. They want to fix the "improper dressing" common in the public service. The circular references Public Service Rule No. 04314. This rule says no officer should dress in an "inappropriate or immodest" way .
The rules also tell senior staff to lead by example. They should dress properly to guide their subordinates. The circular asks permanent secretaries to publicize the rules .
Public reaction is mixed. Some people support the rules. They say public servants should look professional. Others worry about personal freedom. They ask if the rules are too strict .
This is not the first dress code in Delta State. The government updated a previous rule from 2009. The new circular is called HOS. 15/13/74 .
The state government says it respects cultural diversity. But it wants a modest and corporate look for work. The rules apply to all public servants across Delta State .
Heads of departments must check how workers dress. They can send someone home to change. If the worker does not comply, they could face more sanctions. The government did not detail what these sanctions are .
On Fridays, male officers can wear senator suits or modern caftans. They must match these with trousers and traditional caps. But Resource Control and Papas caps are still banned. Female officers can wear buba and wrapper or African gowns. These must have proper sleeves .
The news has sparked debate online. Some people support the government. They say public servants should look professional. Others criticize the rules. They say the government is limiting personal expression .
There are also questions about gender rules. The policy has different standards for men and women. Some feel these rules are outdated. Others say they help maintain decorum .
This move is part of a broader trend. Many governments and companies enforce dress codes. They say it helps present a professional image. But such rules often lead to debates about identity and freedom .
Delta State’s new dress code takes effect immediately. Public servants must now follow these guidelines. The government says it will ensure strict adherence .