The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council, Comrade Goodluck Oforbruku, has called on the Delta State Government to provide wardrobe allowances for civil servants, following the introduction of a revised dress code policy across the state civil service.
Speaking in Asaba during an interview, Comrade Oforbruku expressed dissatisfaction over the implementation of the new policy without prior consultation with labour representatives. He described the move as insensitive to the current economic hardship facing many workers in the State.
“The civil service operates on well-established rules and regulations. Any policy affecting workers, especially one that increases their financial burden, must involve stakeholder engagement,” he said.
The labour leader noted that many civil servants are already struggling to meet basic needs due to rising cost of living and mounting family responsibilities, and introducing a stricter dress code would only worsen their plight.
He urged the government to support the policy with appropriate interventions, including the provision of wardrobe allowances, to cushion the financial implications on workers.
Comrade Oforbruku also advised civil servants to maintain decency and professionalism in their appearance, emphasizing that the NLC does not condone indecent dressing.
However, he warned against any form of victimization by heads of departments or supervisors, urging workers to report such cases to labour leaders promptly.
The reaction follows a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service, Delta State, on Tuesday, 9th September 2025, which outlined a revised dress code for civil servants across various grade levels.
The circular, which has sparked widespread discussion among the workforce, prescribes specific dress patterns to be adhered to by all employees in the state public service.
