The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council, Comrade Goodluck Oforbruku, has called on the Delta State Government to provide wardrobe allowances for civil servants following the introduction of a revised dress code policy across the state civil service.
Speaking in Asaba, Comrade Oforbruku expressed dissatisfaction with the policy’s rollout, noting that labour representatives were not consulted before its implementation.
He described the move as “insensitive” to the prevailing economic hardship confronting workers in the state.
“The civil service operates on well-established rules and regulations. Any policy affecting workers, especially one that increases their financial burden, must involve stakeholder engagement,” he stated.
The labour leader stressed that many civil servants are already struggling with rising living costs and family responsibilities, warning that enforcing stricter dress standards without financial support would worsen their plight.
He urged the government to complement the policy with interventions, particularly wardrobe allowances, to cushion its impact on workers.
Comrade Oforbruku also advised civil servants to uphold decency and professionalism in their appearance, adding that the NLC does not condone indecent dressing.
However, he cautioned against victimisation by supervisors or heads of departments, encouraging workers to report such cases promptly to labour leaders.
His remarks follow a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service, Delta State, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, outlining the revised dress code for civil servants across all grade levels.
The directive, according to government, seeks to reinforce discipline, uphold decency, and curb improper dressing within the public service.
Under the new guidelines, male officers on Grade Level 13 and above must appear in full suits, while those on Levels 07 to 12 are required to wear suits or shirts with ties.
Administrative Officers must always be in suits, while junior staff are also expected to comply, except drivers and plant operators who may wear uniforms or shirts and trousers.
Traditional attire is restricted to Fridays and special occasions, but resource control and papas caps are banned, while bushy beards are prohibited.
Female officers on Grade Level 13 and above must appear in skirt suits, trouser suits, or corporate gowns below the knee, while those on Levels 07 to 12 may wear similar attire.
Traditional outfits are also permitted on Fridays and special occasions, but the circular bans spaghetti straps, sleeveless dresses, cleavage exposure, long eyelashes, artificial nails, and tinted or braided hair.
Heads of Departments and Permanent Secretaries have been mandated to enforce strict compliance, with violators facing sanctions under Public Service Rule No. 04314.
