A brewing standoff between the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Chapter, is threatening to escalate, following the introduction of a new dress code policy for civil servants across the state.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration recently issued a circular mandating stricter standards of dressing for all public servants, aimed at curbing what it described as “the unpleasant practice of improper dressing” in the public service.

The policy, made public through the Office of the Head of Service, and disseminated by the governor’s New Media Office, referenced an earlier directive from March 12, 2009, which is now being reviewed to reflect what government officials call “a new culture of decency.”

However, the policy has sparked outrage among public sector workers and their union representatives, who argue that the directive is out of touch and unfair, considering the current economic realities faced by civil servants in the state.

Yesterday, the government and labour disagreed on the matter. Addressing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said, “There is no going back on the dress code,” while the Chairman of NLC, Goodluck Oforbrukueta, swiftly responded, saying, “We will not allow it.”

Aniagwu maintained that the workers must henceforth dress decently in accordance with the civil service rules. At the same time, Oforbrukueta did not mince words in condemning the policy in strong terms, urging civil servants to ignore the dress code directive, saying: “That we should put on suits from Mondays to Thursdays, and on Fridays we must put on senators’ suits with a set of caps, while the women must be in a particular dress, is not in line with civil service rules.

“The rules say all officers must dress in a manner that is not seen to be inappropriate. So far, civil servants have been dressing well. We have been dressing in line with the civil service rules.

“We will not take it, we will not allow it. They want to task our already dip purkets. If the worst comes, we will resist it, call the workers, and see how far the directive will go.”

He went further to accuse the state government of making unilateral decisions without consulting labour representatives or considering the welfare of workers: “If you want to make new policy, why not discuss it with workers’ representatives?”

The NLC chairman also highlighted the poor working conditions in many government offices across the state, stating that basic office supplies such as chairs, tables, pens, and paper are lacking. (The Guardian)