Minister Backtracks, Says Adire Not Approved for NYSC

The 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), hours after comments attributed to him sparked widespread public reactions.

In a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, the minister explained that reports suggesting Adire had been adopted to replace the scheme’s iconic khaki uniform misrepresented his remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

Olawande said he mentioned Adire and Ankara only as examples of proposals currently under consideration as part of the ongoing reforms of the NYSC.

According to him, no final decision has been reached regarding 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 stated.

The minister explained that the government was considering options capable of meeting key requirements, including professionalism, national identity, durability, functionality, affordability and the promotion of national pride.

He noted that any eventual decision would emerge after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders and would prioritise the overall interests of the NYSC and the country.

Olawande also appealed to Nigerians not to allow discussions surrounding the proposed uniform to distract attention from the broader reforms being introduced into the scheme.

According to him, the ongoing reforms are aimed at making the NYSC more relevant to current realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and creating a smoother transition from education into productive careers.

He stressed that while conversations about the uniform were understandable, they should not overshadow the comprehensive reforms designed to empower Nigerian youths and reposition the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development.

Earlier reports had suggested that the Federal Government planned to replace the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire to support indigenous textile production and encourage local economic growth.

The proposed uniform change forms part of wider reforms approved by the Federal Executive Council, including skills-based deployment of corps members, civilian operational leadership for the scheme and amendments to the NYSC Act.