The Federal Government has unveiled plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of broader reforms aimed at modernising the scheme and promoting indigenous industries.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande disclosed the proposal during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, saying the initiative is intended to support Nigeria’s textile industry and strengthen the country’s cultural identity. Adire, a traditional Yoruba tie-and-dye fabric, is widely produced in states including Ogun and Kwara.
The minister also said the ongoing NYSC reforms would include posting corps members based on their fields of study to improve the relevance of their service and enhance national development. Further details on the proposed uniform’s design and implementation are expected after consultations.
However, Olawande later clarified that reports suggesting the Federal Government had approved Adire as the new NYSC uniform misrepresented his comments. He said Adire and Ankara were mentioned only as examples of proposals under consideration and that no final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.
