The Delta State Government has implemented a revised dress code for its civil servants, aiming to enhance professionalism and uphold a standard of decency within the public sector. This new policy, communicated via a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, supersedes a previous dress code established in 2009 and addresses concerns about inappropriate attire becoming increasingly prevalent among public employees. The government emphasizes the importance of senior officers leading by example in adhering to the revised dress code, thereby setting a positive precedent for their subordinates. Non-compliance will attract sanctions as stipulated in Public Service Rule No.04314, highlighting the government’s commitment to enforcing the new standards.
The revised dress code outlines specific attire requirements depending on gender and grade level. For male officers on Grade Level 13 and above, complete suits are mandatory, except for those in uniform. Officers on Salary Grade Levels 07-12 are expected to wear either suits or a combination of trousers, shirt, and tie, with Administrative Officers specifically required to wear suits at all times. Those on Salary Grade Levels 01-06 are permitted to wear either suits or the trouser, shirt, and tie combination unless they have designated uniforms, such as drivers and plant operators. Traditional attire is acceptable on Fridays and special occasions, including smart senator suits, modern caftans, or native shirts with matching trousers and a traditional cap. However, “Resource Control” and “Papas” caps are prohibited, along with bushy beards.
Female officers on Grade Level 13 and above are required to wear trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns that fall below the knee, excluding hats. All trousers must be part of a suit ensemble. For those on Salary Grade Levels 07-12, options include the aforementioned attire or free gowns with sleeves (below the knee) or skirts below the knee paired with sleeved blouses. Sleeveless and spaghetti-strap tops are prohibited. Female officers on Salary Grade Levels 01-06 can wear free gowns with sleeves or skirts and blouses conforming to the descriptions outlined for SGLs 07-12. Similar to their male counterparts, traditional attire is permissible on Fridays and special occasions, encompassing traditional costumes such as Buba and Wrapper, skirts with blouses, or gowns made from African fabrics, provided they have proper sleeves. All female attire must maintain decorum and avoid revealing cleavages. Braided or tinted hair, long eyelashes, and artificial nails are also prohibited.
Implementation of the dress code will be overseen by heads of departments, who are authorized to send home any employee not adhering to the guidelines. This empowers department heads to ensure immediate compliance and serves as a deterrent against future infractions. This decisive action underscores the seriousness with which the Delta State Government views professional appearance within its public service. The circular mandates that Permanent Secretaries and heads of extra-ministerial departments publicize the directive to ensure widespread awareness and compliance, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enforcing the new standards.
The dress code review reflects the Delta State Government’s broader strategy to cultivate a more professional and disciplined public service. By establishing clear expectations for attire, the government aims to improve the image of its workforce and foster a conducive work environment. This initiative aligns with public expectations of decorum in government offices and complements ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism and efficiency within the public sector.
This new policy aligns with the government’s existing efforts to promote professionalism and discipline in the public service. It aims to enhance the image of the civil service and create a more conducive work environment. The enforcement of the dress code is also consistent with broader legislative trends in Delta State, which penalize indecent dressing among the general public under laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to upholding standards of decency and decorum in all spheres of public life, further strengthening the policy’s rationale and legal grounding.
