The Delta State government has set off a wave of debates after releasing a new circular imposing a revised dress code for civil servants across the state. The policy, signed by the Head of Service and approved by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, updates the 2009 dress code and introduces fresh restrictions on how both male and female workers in the state’s civil service should appear in public offices.
According to the circular, the government argues that the new guidelines are designed to enforce discipline, decency, and professionalism among public servants. Yet, the reception has been anything but unanimous. While some hail the move as necessary for order in the civil service, many others, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), see it as a misplaced priority in a period of biting inflation and hardship.
What the New Dress Code Says
The circular sets out rules that differ for men and women.
For male workers:
- Bushy beards are strictly prohibited. Staff must either remain clean-shaven or maintain neatly trimmed facial hair.
- Caps such as the “Resource Control” and “Papas” caps, popular in the Niger Delta, are banned in offices.
- Dress requirements vary by cadre: senior officers are expected to wear full suits, while others must put on trousers, shirts, and ties.
For female workers:
- The use of artificial hair, dyed or tinted hairstyles, and long braided extensions is prohibited.
- Fake nails and long artificial eyelashes are not permitted.
- Women must wear clothes with sleeves, while skirts and gowns must fall below the knee. Revealing or transparent clothes are completely banned.
On traditional attire, the government allows civil servants to wear native clothing only on Fridays or during approved cultural events. Even so, such outfits must conform to a standard of “modesty.”
The Government’s Justification
Officials argue that the civil service is the backbone of government administration and that workers must project a professional image to the public. By banning extravagant hairstyles, flamboyant clothing, and certain cultural fashion statements, the state hopes to restore a sense of order and dignity in its offices.
To supporters of the policy, the new code is a way of reinforcing the seriousness of public duty. They argue that a civil servant dressed in a suit or modest attire is more likely to command respect from the citizens he or she serves, compared to someone dressed in flashy or casual styles.
Backlash and Criticism
However, the decision has not gone down well with everyone. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State chapter, has openly criticized the move. According to the NLC, the state government is prioritizing appearances over the real challenges civil servants face daily. With inflation at record highs, many workers struggle to pay for food, transport, and school fees. The NLC argues that introducing dress codes that demand expensive wardrobe adjustments is insensitive at such a time.
In fact, the NLC has gone further to demand that the government provide a wardrobe allowance if it insists on enforcing the new rules. Without such support, they say, many low-income workers will either default or be punished unfairly for being unable to meet the dress code.
Civil society groups and social media commentators have also weighed in, asking whether regulating the color of hair or the length of a skirt should really be the focus of government policy in 2025. For them, the state should direct its energy toward improving salaries, infrastructure, and basic welfare instead of policing appearances.
Broader Implications
This development raises broader questions about the role of government in regulating personal expression and identity in the workplace. In Delta State, hairstyles, beards, and cultural attire are not merely fashion choices; they often reflect personal identity, ethnic heritage, and individuality. Critics argue that banning braided hair, for example, directly undermines cultural expression for many women.
Others point out the gender imbalance in the code: while men are asked mainly to keep beards trimmed and wear suits, women face a long list of prohibitions covering hair, nails, eyelashes, and clothing. Some feminist voices have described the rules as another way of controlling women’s bodies and choices under the guise of professionalism.
From a practical perspective, enforcing the code could also create unnecessary bureaucracy. Will offices now need “dress inspectors”? How will sanctions be applied fairly without sparking resentment and legal battles? These are questions yet to be addressed.
A Symptom of Bigger Issues
The controversy also reflects the strained relationship between Nigerian workers and their governments. Across the country, public servants often feel undervalued and underpaid, while politicians continue to enjoy extravagant allowances. For many, the Delta dress code is symbolic of a leadership class more concerned with appearances than substance.
It is worth noting that the debate is not unique to Delta. Over the years, different states and even federal institutions have tried to regulate appearance, from banning jeans in offices to demanding specific uniforms. In most cases, enforcement has been patchy and resistance strong.
Conclusion
The new Delta State civil service dress code has sparked a heated conversation about professionalism, personal freedom, and government priorities. While authorities see it as a necessary step toward restoring order and decency in public service, critics argue it is a distraction from the real challenges civil servants face—poor pay, rising costs, and inadequate working conditions.
What is clear is that appearance alone does not determine efficiency or dedication. A well-dressed civil servant who cannot feed his family or focus on his work is no better off than one in casual wear. Unless the state pairs this dress code with tangible improvements in welfare—such as the wardrobe allowance demanded by the NLC—it risks being seen as an unnecessary burden on already struggling workers.
In the end, the question remains: should government offices be defined more by the style of their workers’ clothes, or by the quality of the services they deliver to the people of Delta State?
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