Tension is brewing between the Delta State Government and organised labour as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council, has rejected the controversial dress code recently introduced for public servants and warned of a possible shutdown if harassment of workers and union members persists.
In a communiqué issued after its emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Asaba on September 17, 2025, and signed by the NLC Secretary, Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat the body described the circular from the Office of the Head of Service as “unnecessary, unfair, and inconsistent with existing Public Service Rules.”
The labour body maintained that workers already operate under clear guidelines on decent dressing, adding that imposing arbitrary standards without dialogue was provocative.
“If government insists on enforcing new dress standards, then wardrobe allowances must be paid across the board, as is the case with law officers, protocol staff, and assembly workers,” the communiqué declared.
Beyond the dress code, the NLC also raised alarm over what it called the “systematic harassment and intimidation” of members of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN).
It accused the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of instigating the clampdown by allegedly directing the police and army not to recognize the union.
“This targeted harassment is unacceptable and risks forcing labour into a collision course with government.
“If it continues, we may be left with no option but to take drastic steps,” the statement warned, hinting at possible industrial action.
While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for releasing ₦10 billion to offset pension arrears, the NLC insisted that the gesture fell short of fully addressing pension backlogs.
It urged the government to sustain payments until all retirees are cleared.
Reaffirming its resolve to protect workers’ rights, the union lauded its state chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, for “proactive steps” taken so far and pledged continued vigilance.
The communiqué ended on a defiant note: “Labour will not fold its arms while workers’ welfare and union rights are undermined. If pushed to the wall, we will act.”
When contacted via text message to respond to the allegation of instigating the clampdown by “allegedly” directing the police and army not to recognize the union, the SSG referred this medium to, “Please see Charlesn Aniagu your professional colleague”.
See full Communique below
NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS
DELTA STATE COUNCIL
Motto: Labour Creates Wealth
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE EMERGENCY STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (SEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC), DELTA STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON THE 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025
The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council, convened an emergency meeting, presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the welfare of workers in the state. After extensive discussions, the SEC-in-session resolved as follows:
1. Commendation to the State Government on Pension Matters
The SEC-in-session heartily appreciates the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his proactive step in releasing N10 billion towards the payment of pensioners. This gesture demonstrates government’s commitment to the welfare of retirees who have dedicated their active years to the service of the state. The Congress nevertheless urged the state government to go the extra mile to clear backlogs of arrears.
2. Public Service Dress Code
SEC-in-session rejects the circular letter no. HOS.30/17/15 dated 10th September 2025 issued by the Office of the Head of Service in its entirety and reaffirms that the extant Public Service Rules remain the guiding document on the issue of decent dressing within the public service.
SEC-in-session therefore unanimously agreed that workers should avoid dressing indecently or shabbily in the discharge of their official duties.
The Nigeria Labour Congress calls for a review of the prescribed specifics on dressing to ensure clarity, fairness, and practicality across all cadres of the service and urged stakeholders to always consult the leadership of the NLC before reaching resolutions affecting workers in the state.
SEC-in-session demands that wardrobe allowance should be paid to all categories of workers to dress decently and appropriately, as is done for Law Officers, Protocol Officers, and staff of the House of Assembly.
3. On Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN)
SEC-in-session unanimously recognized the existence of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) in Delta State and condemned the reported harassment of its members.
While labour does not support lawlessness or recklessness, it insists that the rights of duly recognized unions must be respected. It condemned the letter the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) wrote to the Police and the Army, asking them not to recognize MOUN, which has led to harassment, intimidation, and unnecessary arrests of MOUN members in Delta State.
SEC-in-session therefore calls for an immediate halt to the harassment of members of the association, warning that continued intimidation may place Government and Labour on an avoidable collision course. SEC-in-session resolved to meet soonest to review the situation of things.
The SEC-in-session commended the Chairman of Congress, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, for the proactive steps taken so far and urged him to continue to take actions in the defense of the rights of the workers at all times.
SEC-in-session reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagements, industrial harmony, and the overall progress of Delta State, while standing firm in defending the rights, dignity, and welfare of workers and pensioners.
SIGNED BY
Comrade Enekhawore Acrobat – NLC Secretary
