FG announces Adire Fabric as replacement for NYSC Khaki uniform

The Federal Government has announced that the traditional khaki uniform worn by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will be replaced with Adire fabric as part of the ongoing reform of the scheme.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

According to the minister, the decision forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen local production and ensure public spending supports Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking on the development, Olawande said the new uniform would be produced locally, noting that Adire is already manufactured across several states, including Ogun and Kwara.

“It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country.”

He explained that the move is expected to stimulate Nigeria’s textile industry, promote indigenous craftsmanship and create more opportunities for local manufacturers.

Corps members to be posted based on profession

The minister also revealed that the Federal Government is restructuring the NYSC deployment process to ensure corps members are posted according to their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds.

Under the proposed arrangement, graduates with education-related qualifications will be deployed to schools and other relevant institutions instead of arbitrary postings.

“That after you are leaving the camp, you are not just posted to a school just because NYSC wants you to be in school but because of the process you followed when in camp. So, that is going to give a framework of where you are going to be posted to.”

New deployment strategy for security

Olawande said the government is also reviewing the deployment system to address security concerns in parts of the country.

He explained that corps members may increasingly be posted to areas where they studied or locations they are already familiar with, particularly in regions facing security challenges.

According to him, the approach would reduce concerns among parents while making the deployment process more practical.

“If we have a particular area that is having insecurity, instead of probably forcing people or parents to start talking, we must also give them an opportunity that ‘okay, who are those in that area, that schooled in that area, that know much about that area?’”

He added that corps members who voluntarily choose to serve in other regions would still be allowed to do so.

Military not removed from NYSC

The minister also dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from NYSC operations.

He clarified that while the scheme would transition from military-led mobilisation to civilian-led administration, the armed forces would continue to play their traditional role in securing orientation camps and other NYSC activities.

“We are not taking the military out of NYSC. It is just a misconception… Military is not taken away, there is no how you can take the military away. It is just saying that we are moving away from military mobilisation to civilian mobilisation.”

The latest announcement comes days after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a comprehensive reform of the NYSC scheme, the first major overhaul of the programme in more than 50 years.

As part of the reforms, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the new policy.

The Federal Government said the reforms are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a skills-driven, productivity-focused institution capable of equipping young Nigerians for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.

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