Dress Code: Delta NLC Demands Wardrobe Allowance For Civil Servants

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Delta State has faulted the state government’s revised dress code for civil servants, insisting that a wardrobe allowance must be provided to cushion the financial strain on workers.

State NLC Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Oforbruku, who spoke in Asaba, described the implementation of the new policy without consulting labour representatives as “insensitive” given the prevailing economic hardship confronting workers.

He argued that many civil servants were already battling rising living costs and family responsibilities, adding that enforcing stricter dress rules without support would further impoverish them.

“The civil service operates on established rules and regulations. Any policy that increases workers’ financial burden must involve stakeholder engagement,” Oforbruku said.

The union leader urged the state government to complement the dress code with necessary interventions, particularly wardrobe allowances, to ease compliance. He further advised civil servants to maintain decency and professionalism in their appearance, while warning against any form of harassment or victimisation from supervisors or department heads.

His comments came on the heels of a circular issued on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, by the Office of the Head of Service, prescribing new dress standards across various grade levels in the state public service.

The directive has triggered heated debates among civil servants, many of whom expressed worry over the financial implications of meeting the new standard.

Oforbruku stressed that while the NLC would not support indecent dressing, it would not hesitate to resist policies that undermine workers’ welfare.