Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande has clarified that it has not approved the replacement of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally made Adire fabric, following his recent comment while featuring on TVC that has triggered by comments from in the country.
The minister issued the clarification on Thursday, July 2, 2026, explaining that his earlier remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief were merely illustrative and should not have been interpreted as a formal policy announcement.
Olawande said his reference to Adire and even Ankara was intended only to highlight some of the ideas being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme. He stressed that the Federal Government has not reached a final decision on any replacement for the corps’ iconic khaki uniform.
In a statement posted on his official X account shortly after the interview, the minister said reports claiming Adire had been adopted as the new NYSC uniform were inaccurate.
“For the avoidance of doubt, yes, I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. My intention was simply to cite examples of proposals that have emerged during consultations. It was never an announcement that any fabric has been approved to replace the existing NYSC uniform,” he stated.
According to Olawande, discussions on a possible redesign remain ongoing, with several options still under review. He explained that any eventual decision would be guided by factors such as durability, functionality, professional appearance, affordability, national identity and the promotion of locally made products.
The minister added that broad consultations with relevant stakeholders would be concluded before any final approval is announced.
He also urged Nigerians to focus on the broader objectives of the ongoing NYSC reforms rather than the debate over the proposed uniform.
According to him, the reform agenda is designed to transform the scheme into a more modern, skills-driven institution that equips young Nigerians with practical knowledge, strengthens entrepreneurship, improves employability and deepens national integration.
Olawande noted that the reforms align with the Federal Government’s wider economic agenda, which seeks to empower young people, stimulate local industries and create more opportunities for sustainable national development.
Earlier in the television interview, the minister had suggested that locally produced Adire could serve as an alternative to the current khaki uniform, noting that the fabric is manufactured in states including Ogun and Kwara. He argued that patronising indigenous textile producers would help retain government spending within the country and support Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
His remarks quickly generated widespread reactions, with many interpreting them as confirmation that the NYSC uniform had already been changed.
However, the latest clarification makes it clear that while the Federal Government is considering various proposals as part of its ongoing review of the NYSC, no fabric has been selected or approved to replace the existing khaki uniform.
