The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Chapter, has rejected the state government’s new dress code for civil servants, describing it as an unnecessary burden on already struggling workers.
Speaking at a workers’ gathering on Friday, NLC Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Oforbrukueta, said the policy would only tax the pockets of employees instead of addressing pressing welfare concerns.
“We nor gree because the money we dey earn nor reach chop. E nor reach pay our children school fees. E nor reach pay our house rent. E nor reach transport ourselves to work, not to talk say all of us must wear suit,” Oforbrukueta said in pidgin.
He argued that many workers lack basic office supplies such as chairs, tables, paper, and pens, questioning why the government would prioritize enforcing a dress code over providing essential resources.
The labour leader also faulted the government for not consulting workers’ representatives before issuing the circular. He warned that the NLC would defend any civil servant sanctioned over the policy, insisting that the rules guiding the civil service cannot be arbitrarily changed.
“If you want to make new policy, why you nor go discuss am with workers’ representatives? As we dey so, many workers nor dey see biro to write. You dey say make we go buy suit. Where the money dey? How much you dey pay the people?” he asked.