E Don Happen:Govt Bans Bushy Beards, Artificial Hair, Long Eyelashes, Fake Nails in Civil Service
E Don Happen: Delta Govt Bans Bushy Beards, Artificial Hair, Long Eyelashes, Fake Nails in Civil ServiceE Don Happen: Delta Govt Bans Bushy Beards, Artificial Hair, Long Eyelashes, Fake Nails in Civil Service
The Delta State Government has announced a revised dress code for workers in the state public service. The policy was communicated through the Head of Service and shared on the government’s official Facebook page on Thursday. Eagles Sight News has gathered.
According to the government, the decision reflects Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration’s commitment to restoring decency, promoting responsibility, and upholding decorum among employees. Heads of ministries, departments, and agencies have also been instructed to ensure strict adherence.
The circular stated: “In an effort to address the unpleasant practice of improper dressing that has become commonplace 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 12th March, 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 towards checkmating 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.’”
For male employees, the government approved suits for officers on Grade Level 13 and above, with exceptions for those in uniformed services. Officers on Grade Levels 07 to 12 are expected to appear in suits or in trousers with shirts and ties, although administrative officers must always be in suits. Staff on lower levels, from 01 to 06, are also required to wear suits or shirts with trousers, while drivers and other uniformed personnel must be in uniforms.
Traditional attire such as senator suits, modern caftans, or native shirts with matching trousers is permitted only on Fridays and special occasions. The circular, however, prohibited the use of resource control and papas caps, while bushy beards were also proscribed.
Female workers on Grade Level 13 and above are required to appear in trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns below the knee. Officers on Grade Levels 07 to 12 may appear in gowns below the knee with sleeves, or in skirts and blouses that also include sleeves, as sleeveless dresses and spaghetti straps are prohibited. Workers on Grade Levels 01 to 06 are permitted to wear free gowns with sleeves, or skirts and blouses as earlier described.
Traditional attire, including buba and wrapper, skirts with blouses, or gowns made from African fabrics, is allowed on Fridays and during special events, provided they have proper sleeves. The circular added: “Note that all female dressing should be with decorum devoid of any provocative exposure of cleavages. Meanwhile, braided or tinted hair, long eyelashes and artificial nails are prohibited.”
Heads of departments were directed to send home any employee who appears improperly dressed, instructing them to return in appropriate attire before resuming duty. Repeat offenders, according to the directive, risk stricter sanctions from their supervisors.
The government urged all permanent secretaries and heads of agencies to give the new policy maximum publicity to ensure staff compliance.