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Delta reviews dress code for civil servants, bans bushy beards, artificial nails

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The Delta State Government has reviewed the dress code for civil servants, warning that improper dressing in the public service will no longer be tolerated.

The circular, signed by the Office of the Head of Service and released by the New Media Office of the Governor on Thursday, said the move was to “uphold decency in the appearance of Public Servants across the State.”

It recalled that the old dress code was contained in a circular of March 12, 2009, but stressed that “in an effort to address the unpleasant practice of improper dressing that has become commonplace in the State Public Service, it is instructive to announce a review of the existing dress code contained in circular letter No. HOS. 15/13/74 of 12th March, 2009; for the purpose of upholding decency in the appearance of Public Servants across the State.”

The government said senior officers must take the lead in enforcing the new standards, noting that “it is also very important to underscore the vital role expected of senior public servants in revising the said anomaly through leading examples of appropriate dressing culture that demonstrates decorum to guide and correct subordinates; and whenever lapses are observed, sanctions may be invoked towards checkmating the ugly trend, based on the Public Service Rule No.04314, which states inter-alia: ‘No Officer shall appear in the office or anywhere in his official capacity attired in a manner deemed inappropriate or immodest.’”

For male officers, the circular directed that:

“All officers on GLs 13 and above should appear at work in Complete Suits, except for uniform officers as given.

“All officers on SGLs 07-12 should appear as in (i) above or in a Pair of Trousers, Shirt and Tie, except all Administrative Officers who should always be in Suit.

“All officers on SGLs 01-06 should appear as in A(i) or A(ii) above, except for uniformed staff e.g. Drivers, Plant Operators etc; who should always be in their Uniforms; and in the absence of uniforms, should put on Trousers and Shirts to work.

“Also, traditional attire for male officers shall be permissible only on Fridays and on special occasions; and such includes Smart Senator Suits, Modern Caftans or Native Shirts with matching Trousers, complemented by the appropriate Traditional Cap.”

The circular further stated: “Resource Control and Papas Caps are prohibited; while Bushy beards are proscribed.”

For female officers, the directive read:

“All officers on SGLs 13 and above should appear at work on Trouser Suits, Skirt Suits or Corporate Gowns below the knee level (No hats); and all Trousers Must come in Suits.

“All officers on SGLs 07-12 should appear either as in B(i) above or in free Gowns below the knee level with Sleeves, or Skirts below the knee level and Blouse with sleeves to match (sleeveless or spaghetti hands are prohibited).

“All officers on SGLs 01-06 should appear as in free Gowns with Sleeves, or Skirt and Blouse as described in B(ii) above.

“Also, traditional attire for female officers shall be permissible only on Fridays and on special occasions; and such includes Traditional costumes such as Buba and Wrapper, Skirts with Blouses, or Gowns fashioned from African fabrics, provided such garments have proper sleeves.”

The circular also warned that “all female dressing should be with decorum devoid of any provocative exposure of cleavages. Meanwhile, braided or tainted hair; long eye lashes and artificial nails are prohibited.”

To ensure compliance, heads of departments have been directed to send home erring officers.

“Suffice it to state that this circular is intended to promote discipline in dressing culture among Public Servants. To enforce strict adherence to the revised dress code therefore, it behooves all Heads of Departments to execute these provisions; and not hesitate in directing any erring officer that is inappropriately attired to return home, dress decently and resume duty promptly; or risk more stringent sanctions from the Accounting Officer forthwith.”

The circular urged Permanent Secretaries and department heads to publicise the directive and ensure compliance.

“Accordingly, all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments are enjoined to give the content of this Circular the much-desired publicity for staff guidance and strict adherence, please.”

The dress code review reflects a broader push for professionalism and discipline in the State public service, aligning with public expectations and government efforts to improve image and work culture.

There is existing legislation in Delta State (such as laws against “indecent exposure” under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law) which penalize indecent dressing among the general public. This dress code for civil servants is in line with those enforcement trends.

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Trump administration cuts energy projects, freezes New York funding

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The Trump administration has announced plans to terminate dozens of clean energy projects and freeze billions of dollars for major projects in New York, intensifying a stand-off with Democrats over a US government shutdown.

US media outlets described the moves announced by the energy and transportation departments as part of the administration’s efforts to pressure Democrats in Congress to agree on a deal to end the shutdown.

US President Donald Trump had raced to enact hard-right policies even before the shutdown began after midnight on Tuesday, threatening mass firings and to slash government departments, and blaming Democrats for Congress’ failure to resolve a funding stand-off.

The Department of Energy announced on Thursday “the termination of 321 financial awards supporting 223 projects, resulting in a savings of approximately $7.56 billion for American taxpayers.”

It said in a statement that those projects — overseen by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and other bodies — “did not adequately advance the nation’s energy needs… and would not provide a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars.”

However, recipients of federal funding have 30 days to appeal against a termination decision, and some have already begun the process, the statement said.

It did not list the projects in question.

In a post on social media platform X, Russell Vought, who heads the powerful Office of Management and Budget, called the slashed projects “Green New Scam funding” that was used to advance “the Left’s climate agenda”.

He listed the states affected by the decision. They include California, New York and 14 others — all blue states where Trump failed to win in the 2024 presidential elections.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration had decided to cancel “up to $1.2 billion” slated for a major hydrogen energy project, threatening tens of thousands of jobs.

“In Trump’s America, energy policy is set by the highest bidder, economics and common sense be damned,” Newsom said in a statement, vowing to keep pursuing a “clean energy strategy… no matter what DC tries to dictate.”

In New York — the home state of top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — the Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday it was freezing nearly $18 billion in federal funding for two major infrastructure projects, the Second Avenue subway and Hudson Tunnel.

The move takes aim at diversity, equity and inclusion policies, according to the department’s statement, saying that subsidizing projects with “race- and sex-based contracting requirements… is unconstitutional, counter to civil rights laws, and a waste of taxpayer resources.”

The funds would be frozen until a “quick administrative review is complete,” it said.

“Thanks to the Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries shutdown, however, USDOT’s review of New York’s unconstitutional practices will take more time,” it added, saying that the department “has been forced to furlough the civil rights staff responsible for conducting this review.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said in a statement that halting funding for “critical infrastructure projects” was “political payback and an attack on New York.”

“Donald Trump has been clear: he is intent on using his reckless government shutdown to hurt the American people,” she said.

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Shettima returns to Abuja after attending UNGA, meetings in Germany

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and high-level engagements in Germany.

The vice president’s aircraft touched down at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Thursday, where he was received by senior government officials.

During the week-long engagements, Shettima delivered the President’s national statement at the UNGA, calling for comprehensive reforms of the global body.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is being welcomed some government officials at the airport. Photo: State House

He also advocated Africa’s sovereignty over its estimated $700 billion mineral resources and strengthened Nigeria’s partnerships with the United Kingdom, the Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders.

In New York, Shettima met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who commended Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

The vice president also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunities to global investors and assured members of the Nigerian diaspora of continued engagement in the Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes.

He later proceeded to Germany for further strategic meetings before returning to the country.

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Lagos unveils artisan certification to curb building collapse

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The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory has launched a new certification and training programme for artisans in the construction industry as part of efforts to stem the spate of building collapses in the state.

The initiative, known as the Certified Structural Integrated Programme, was unveiled at a stakeholders’ forum held in Ese-Offin and Badagry, where block moulders, bricklayers, concrete mixers, steel fabricators and welders converged to pledge support for safer construction practices.

In a statement on Thursday by the Lagos Government, General Manager of LSMTL, Olayinka Abdul, said the programme marked a decisive step in tackling recurring tragedies linked to substandard construction materials.

“Without artisans, there is no construction. But with you, we have the power to ensure every construction is safe, sound, and secure. We need to earnestly curb episodes of collapse in high-water-prone communities, and we do not want such in your community. It ends today,” he said.

According to the statement, the CSIP is a five-year assessment programme aimed at certifying construction materials as fit-for-purpose.

It will also produce an official directory of approved block moulders, concrete mixers and steel fabricators, to whom developers will be directed for supplies.

“This is not just about enforcement; it is about partnership and empowerment. Together, we can forge an unbreakable alliance that makes Lagos a model for building safety and integrity,” Abdul added.

Technical experts at the forum highlighted the scientific backing for the initiative. Director of the Soil and Geotechnics Unit, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, stressed the need for mandatory soil tests before construction.

Similarly, Kayode Akinfeleye of the Technical Services Department advised builders to ensure architectural drawings are obtained and preserved, describing them as “a core requirement in the Lagos building process.”

Artisan guild leaders welcomed the initiative. Chairman of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Fabiyi Oyeleke, described frequent collapses as “disheartening” and commended the forum as a step in the right direction.

On his part, Chairman of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Mr. Fashina Aro, noted the peculiarities of Lagos’s swampy terrain and urged all stakeholders to ensure materials and soil tests are completed before bricklayers commence work on any site.

Building collapse has been a persistent challenge in Lagos, with many lives lost and substantial property damage over the years.

In recent incidents, emergency responders have had to rescue workers from collapsed structures.

PUNCH Online reports that rescue teams pulled eight workers from the debris of a collapsed building in September.

Reports by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild show Lagos accounts for about 55% of recorded building collapse incidents in Nigeria over the past several decades.

In response, Lagos has taken steps to strengthen bodies like the Lagos State Building Control Agency, enhancing enforcement, monitoring, and regulation of building standards.

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