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The Delta State Government has rolled out a strict new dress code for civil servants — banning bushy beards, artificial nails, tinted hair, long lashes, spaghetti straps, and provocative outfits in government offices.

The State Government’s directive on the dress code for civil servants warned that improper dressing will no longer be tolerated in the state public service.

The circular, signed by the Office of the Head of Service and released on Thursday, September 11, 2025 said the review was necessary to “uphold decency in the appearance of public servants across the state.”

It recalled that the last dress code was issued in 2009, but stressed that laxity and “unpleasant practices” in dressing had become common in government offices, necessitating stricter enforcement.

Under the new rules, senior officers are expected to lead by example, while supervisors must enforce compliance in line with Public Service Rule No. 04314, which prohibits officers from appearing at work in inappropriate or immodest attire. Sanctions are to be applied against violators.

For Male Officers

• GL 13 and above: Complete suits (except for uniformed staff).
• GL 07–12: Suits, or trousers, shirt and tie (Administrative Officers must always wear suits).
• GL 01–06: As above, except for drivers and plant operators, who must wear uniforms or trousers and shirts.
• Traditional attire is allowed on Fridays and special occasions (smart senator suits, caftans, or native shirts with matching trousers and traditional caps).
• Bushy beards are banned, and ‘resource control’ and ‘papas’ caps are prohibited.

For Female Officers

• GL 13 and above: Trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns below knee level (no hats; trousers must be in suits).
• GL 07–12: As above, or free gowns below the knee with sleeves, or skirts and blouses (no sleeveless or spaghetti straps).
• GL 01–06: Free gowns with sleeves, or skirts and blouses as described.
• Traditional attire is allowed on Fridays and special occasions (buba and wrapper, African fabric skirts and blouses, or gowns with proper sleeves).
• Provocative dressing, exposure of cleavages, braided or tinted hair, long eyelashes, and artificial nails are prohibited.

The circular directed heads of departments to send home any erring officers until they return properly dressed, with stricter sanctions to follow for repeat offenders.

It urged Permanent Secretaries and department heads to widely publicise the directive, stressing that the policy is part of broader efforts to instill professionalism, discipline, and decorum in the state’s public service.