Niger State Civil Servants Banned from Wearing Native Attires on Weekdays (See Details)

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has issued a directive prohibiting civil servants in the state from wearing native attires such as “kaftans and babanriga” to offices from Monday to Thursday.

The governor made this announcement during a presentation of land development and preparation equipment at the Brains and Hammers Rice City in Wushishi LGA on December 18.

Governor Bago emphasized that the new dress code aims to promote a more formal and professional atmosphere in government offices.

Civil servants who violate the order by wearing native attires during the specified days risk being dismissed from service. The governor went further to assert that those who wish to wear traditional attire should consider resigning from their positions.

“From Monday, we will issue an order preventing civil servants from wearing kaftan and Babanriga to work between Monday and Thursday. No Babanriga, No Kaftan, we are here to work,” Governor Bago declared. “Anybody who wants to wear Babanriga should resign. We are also going to engage in serious farming activities going forward.”

Gov. Bago has decreed that ALL workers in Niger State, including those he is paying N30,000 per month, must stop wearing kaftan or babbarriga to work. In his strange wisdom, anything but English dress is informal and will reduce productivity. Before setting this thoughtless… pic.twitter.com/kXi1y5PwrA

— Jaafar Jaafar (@JaafarSJaafar) December 18, 2023

This drastic move by the governor has stirred debate among civil servants and residents, with some expressing concerns about the impact on cultural expression and individual freedom.

However, Governor Bago remains firm in his decision, emphasizing the need for a more business-like approach in the workplace.

Journalist Jaafar Jaafar shared a video of the governor’s announcement on his social media page, sparking discussions on the implications of such a dress code mandate.

As the policy takes effect, the focus now shifts to how civil servants will adapt to this new professional dress standard and whether it will achieve the desired transformation in the work environment.