ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has defended the state government’s reinforcement of the civil service dress code, insisting that the directive is not new but a reminder of long-standing rules designed to uphold professionalism in the public service.
Speaking on Morning Express, a flagship programme on ADBN Television, Aniagwu explained that the dress code is rooted in the Delta State Civil Service Rules, which outline standards of conduct and corporate appearance for public officers.
“In Chapter One, particularly Code 01001, the rules apply to every civil servant in Delta State, while Code 04314 on page 42 specifically requires that civil servants must be decently dressed whenever they are in the office or representing the state government,” he said.
He likened the policy to corporate standards in the private sector, noting that banks and other institutions enforce dress codes as part of their identity. “When people applied for jobs, they came dressed properly, not in rags. Why would they suddenly change after securing employment? The civil service must reflect decency and discipline,” Aniagwu argued.
On concerns about wardrobe costs, Aniagwu dismissed suggestions that the directive would burden workers, saying many already invest in clothing for personal events. “Our brothers and sisters attend weddings, parties, and other functions where they dress elegantly. If they can afford that, then the workplace, which pays their bills, also deserves that level of decency,” he maintained.
He recalled that the dress code was emphasized during the administrations of Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, stressing that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is only ensuring compliance, not introducing a new rule.
Responding to protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over non-consultation, Aniagwu said the Head of Service, as the state’s top civil servant, is legally empowered to issue such directives and had already engaged permanent secretaries and stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
“This circular is not punitive; it is simply a reminder of what has always been in place. It is about projecting a decent image of the state and instilling the discipline expected in a regimental service,” he stated.
Aniagwu clarified that the policy does not interfere with personal choices outside work. “If you are going to swim, you dress for the pool. If you are going to play basketball, you wear sports gear. But when you come to the office, you must dress in line with the rules because you are representing the state government,” he said.
On the controversial beard rule, he stressed that the government was not banning facial hair but urging neatness. “We are not saying you cannot keep a beard, but it must be well groomed. What we do not want is artistic styles that present the civil service in an unserious light,” he explained.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Aniagwu pointed to the state’s early adoption of the minimum wage and consistent contributions to the pension scheme as evidence of its respect for civil servants.
“The civil service is not a free-for-all; it is governed by rules. What this government is asking for is simple: let us reflect decency, let us respect the uniformity of purpose, and let us project the right image of Delta State,” Aniagwu concluded.
