EXTRA: Delta bans bushy beards, artificial hair, fake nails in civil service

The Delta state government has issued a directive banning “indecent appearance” among public servants.

The directive, contained in a circular from the office of the head of service, was announced after the state executive council meeting on Thursday in Asaba.

According to the circular, male workers are no longer allowed to wear bushy beards or certain traditional caps such as the “resource control” and “papas” caps.

For female staff, artificial braided or dyed hair, long eyelashes, and fake nails have been prohibited.

The new dress code also sets out clothing requirements for different levels of staff. Senior officers on grade level 13 and above are expected to appear in suits, while those on grade levels 07–12 are to wear trousers, shirts, and ties, or suits.

Junior officers on levels 01–06 must also appear in suits or shirts with trousers. Traditional attire is permitted only on Fridays and special occasions.

For women, acceptable dress includes skirt suits, trouser suits, or corporate gowns below knee level with sleeves. Sleeveless outfits, spaghetti straps, and any dress exposing cleavage are not allowed.

The circular said heads of departments are to enforce compliance by sending staff who flout the rules back home to change before resuming duty. Persistent offenders, it warned, could face sanctions in line with the public service rules.

“This circular is intended to promote discipline in dressing culture among public servants,” the memo reads.