The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified his earlier comments suggesting that the Federal Government planned to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire as part of the sweeping reforms recently approved for the 53-year-old scheme.
Olawande had made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television, where he said Adire would replace the traditional khaki uniform as part of efforts to promote local textile production and ensure government spending supports the Nigerian economy.
The proposed uniform change was reported as one of the reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday.
However, following widespread public reactions to the reports, the minister said his comments had been misconstrued.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Olawande explained that reports claiming Adire had been adopted as the new NYSC uniform did not accurately reflect what he said during the interview.
According to him, Adire and Ankara were mentioned merely as examples of proposals being considered as part of the ongoing review of the scheme, not as an approved replacement for the current uniform.
“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design,” the minister stated.
He further explained:
“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.”
Olawande said the government is evaluating several options that meet key objectives, including a professional appearance, a distinct national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness and the promotion of national pride.
He added that any final decision on the NYSC uniform would be based on extensive stakeholder consultations and guided by what best serves the interests of the scheme and the country.
