Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), reversing the impression created by his earlier remarks that sparked widespread public debate.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, Olawande said reports suggesting that Adire had been adopted to replace the scheme’s iconic khaki uniform were a misrepresentation of comments he made during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
According to the minister, his reference to Adire and Ankara during the interview was merely illustrative of proposals being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the NYSC, stressing that no final decision had been reached on the fabric or design of a new uniform.
“My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform,” he said.
Olawande explained that government was evaluating options that would reflect professionalism, promote a distinct national identity, ensure durability and functionality, remain cost-effective, and project national pride.
He added that any eventual decision would emerge from extensive stakeholder consultations and would be guided by what best serves the interests of the NYSC and the nation.
The minister also urged Nigerians not to allow discussions over a possible change of uniform to overshadow the broader reforms being pursued for the 53-year-old scheme.
He said the reforms are aimed at making the NYSC more responsive to current realities through improved employability, entrepreneurship development, stronger national integration, enhanced service delivery and a smoother transition from education to productive careers.
“While conversations around the uniform are understandable, they should not overshadow the far-reaching reforms aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and positioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development,” he added.
The clarification comes hours after reports emerged that the Federal Government had approved the replacement of the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire as part of a sweeping reform package endorsed by the Federal Executive Council.
During the television interview, Olawande had identified Adire as the proposed replacement, saying the move was intended to boost local textile production and retain government spending within the domestic economy.
The proposed uniform change was reported as one of several reforms approved for the NYSC, alongside skills-based deployment of corps members, civilian operational leadership for the scheme and amendments to the NYSC Act.