By Nelson Egware
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has defended the state government’s reinforcement of civil service dress code, insisting that the policy is rooted in existing rules and aimed at sustaining professionalism in the public service.
Aniagwu, who spoke on "Morning Express", a flagship programme on ADBN Television on Thursday, explained that the policy was not new but a reminder of long-standing civil service regulations that mandate decency and corporate appearance for public officers while on duty.
He stressed that civil servants are bound by the Nigerian Constitution, state laws, and most importantly, the Delta State Civil Service Rules, which clearly spell out standards of conduct and dress code.
“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 stated.
According to him, the regulation is no different from what obtains in the private sector where organizations like banks insist on corporate identity and decency in appearance.
“When people applied for jobs, they came dressed properly, not in rags. So why would they suddenly change after securing employment? Just as banks and other corporate institutions enforce standards, the civil service must also reflect decency and discipline,” Aniagwu argued.
On concerns about wardrobe allowances, Aniagwu dismissed claims that the directive would impose financial strain, noting that civil servants already spend significantly on 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.
The commissioner recalled that the dress code had been emphasized as far back as the Chief James Ibori administration, and later reinforced under Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
He said the present government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is only ensuring compliance, not introducing a new policy.
Reacting to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) protest over non-consultation, Aniagwu emphasized that the Head of Service, as the number one civil servant in the state, is legally empowered to issue such directives and had in fact engaged permanent secretaries and key stakeholders on effective implementation.
“Our civil servants are valued partners. The governor believes strongly in harmony in the service because they are the engine room of government.
"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 said.
Aniagwu further clarified that the policy does not intrude into personal lives, stressing that civil servants are free to wear what they please outside the workplace.
“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 insisted.
He also explained that the rule on beards was not a ban but a guide to ensure neatness and decency. “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,” Aniagwu added.
Reaffirming government’s respect for workers, the commissioner said Delta will continue to prioritize welfare, pointing to the state’s early adoption of the minimum wage and consistent contributions to the pension scheme as proof of its commitment.
“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.
