Civil Service: State Government bans tinted hair, long eyelashes, artificial nails, others

Asaba, Nigeria — The Delta State Government has announced a revised and much stricter dress code for its public servants, aiming to enforce discipline and uphold professional standards. The new policy, outlined in a statement by the Head of Service, bans several grooming styles and accessories deemed “inappropriate” for the civil service.

Under the new rules, items such as “resource control” and “papa’s” caps, bushy beards, braided or tinted hair, long eyelashes, and artificial nails are now prohibited for civil servants. The government stated that the policy reflects Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to promoting decency, restoring decorum, and fostering a culture of responsibility.

Heads of ministries, departments, and agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance and to send any improperly dressed officer home. According to the government, officers who fail to return properly attired will face “stricter sanctions.”

Approved Dress Codes

The new policy also outlines specific dress codes for both male and female employees, which are described as the “minimum acceptable official standard.”

For male employees:

Officers on Grade Levels 13 and above are required to wear complete suits.
Officers on Grade Levels 07-12 can wear a pair of trousers, a shirt, and a tie, or a suit.
Traditional attire is now only permissible on Fridays and for special occasions, with styles like “smart senator suits” and caftans being approved.

For female employees:

Officers on Grade Levels 13 and above are to wear trouser suits, skirt suits, or corporate gowns that fall below the knee.
Officers on Grade Levels 07-12 can wear free gowns with sleeves or skirts with blouses, also below the knee.
Braided or tinted hair, long eyelashes, and artificial nails are explicitly prohibited.

The government underscored the importance of senior public servants leading by example and warned that sanctions would be applied to check any “ugly trend” of inappropriate dressing. The new rules are based on the Public Service Rule No. 04314, which prohibits officers from appearing in an “inappropriate or immodest” manner while in an official capacity.