By Our Correspondent, Warri
WARRI — The newly released dress code for Delta State civil servants has sparked criticism, with public affairs commentator, Zik Gbemre, faulting the policy as a misplaced priority that disregards indigenous culture and the economic realities of workers.
According to the circular issued by the State Head of Service and publicized by the Governor’s New Media Office, senior civil servants on Salary Grade Levels (SGL) 15 and above are mandated to appear in full English suits, while those on SGL 07–12 must wear suits or shirt-and-tie combinations. Officers on SGL 01–06 are expected to dress in similar corporate outfits, except uniformed staff.
Traditional attire, including senator suits, modern caftans, and native shirts, will only be permissible on Fridays and special occasions, with certain traditional hats specifically prohibited.
Reacting to the development, Gbemre argued that the directive undermines African identity, describing it as a colonial hangover in the 21st century.
He recalled that in the colonial era, Africans were compelled to dress like Europeans to gain acceptance in churches and official spaces, a trend he said should not persist in modern governance.
“It is shameful that Delta State government is still coercing civil service workers to dress like the Whiteman,” he said, questioning how poorly paid civil servants could afford expensive suits and ties amid harsh economic conditions.
Gbemre further pointed out that even banking institutions, once rigid about Western corporate dress codes, have relaxed to allow more casual but decent dressing.
He maintained that workers should be allowed to wear any clean and modest attire to work, provided it does not expose the body indecently.
He concluded that the state government had “lost focus” by prioritizing dress codes over policies that address pressing socio-economic challenges facing its citizens.
