by ‘Jola Sotubo

In a new development in the Nigerian civil service, employees of the Benue State government are now expected to adhere to a dress code.

The move is an effort to ensure that civil servants are dressed decently and responsibly during office hours to reflect the State civil service in a good light.

The state’s Head of Service, Terna Ahua, gave the directive in a circular entitled, “Dress Code for Government Workers”, and addressed to all ministries and government establishments in the state.

According to the circular, the workers are expected to wear only traditional or formal corporate attires to work while those whose jobs already require the wearing of uniforms are exempted.

“Majority of the workers are not expected to wear uniforms while at work. However, this is no excuse for the wearing of casual or improper dresses. Public servants are required to wear decent formal clothes while at work. The clothes can either be traditional or formal (corporate). The wearing of jeans, T-shirts or different manners of trousers and shorts, especially by ladies is unacceptable,” the circular reportedly stated in part.

The head of service added that the introduction of dress code is aimed at achieving a sense of decency and dignity as well as engender confidence on the part of the workers.