Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State [PHOTO CREDIT: Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori ]

The Delta State Government has issued a sweeping ban on several grooming and fashion styles within the state’s public service as part of a new dress code aimed at restoring decorum and professionalism.

In a circular released by the Head of Service and posted on the state’s official Facebook page on Thursday, public servants were warned against wearing outfits and accessories deemed “inappropriate” for government offices.

Among the banned items are bushy beards, braided or tinted hair, artificial nails, long eyelashes, provocative clothing, and “resource control” and “papa’s” caps. The government stated that the new rules are designed to enforce discipline and uphold professional standards in the state’s workforce.

“It is very important to underscore the vital role expected of senior public servants in leading by example… sanctions may be invoked to checkmate the ugly trend,” the circular noted.

Approved Dress Codes for Male Staff

• Senior Officers (GL 13 and above): Complete suits.
• Officers on SGLs 07-12: Suits or trousers with shirts and ties (administrative officers must wear suits).
• Officers on SGLs 01-06: Trousers and shirts, or uniforms where applicable.
• Fridays & Special Occasions: Traditional attire allowed, such as smart senator suits or caftans with appropriate traditional caps.
• Prohibited: Bushy beards, resource control caps, and papa’s caps.

Approved Dress Codes for Female Staff

• Senior Officers (GL 13 and above): Trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns below the knee (no hats).
• Officers on SGLs 07-12: Corporate gowns or skirts/blouses below the knee with sleeves (no spaghetti straps or sleeveless tops).
• Officers on SGLs 01-06: Free gowns or skirts and blouses with sleeves.
• Fridays & Special Occasions: Traditional attire such as buba and wrapper, skirts with blouses, or African gowns with sleeves.
• Prohibited: Braided or tinted hair, long eyelashes, artificial nails, and cleavage-revealing clothing.

Enforcement Measures

The state directed all heads of departments to send home any staff found inappropriately dressed. Such officers must return properly attired to resume work or face disciplinary action.