The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that Adire has not been adopted as the new uniform fabric for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), reversing the impression created earlier that the government had settled for the local textile.
Olawande made the clarification in a statement on Thursday after media reports linked his appearance on Channels Television to an alleged decision by the Federal Government to replace the NYSC’s traditional khaki uniform with Adire.
He said his reference to Adire during the interview was not an announcement of an approved uniform change, but part of a broader discussion on proposals being considered under the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme.
According to him, Ankara was also mentioned during the conversation as one of several ideas that have emerged in the course of consultations.
The minister said no final decision had been taken on the fabric or design of the NYSC uniform, stressing that what is being examined are options that can meet standards of professionalism, national identity, durability, functionality and cost-effectiveness, while also reflecting national pride.
He added that any decision on the proposed uniform would be based on wide consultations with stakeholders and guided by what best serves the interest of the scheme and the country.
Olawande urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the NYSC uniform to distract from the wider reform agenda being pursued by the government.
He said the reform is aimed at making the scheme more relevant to present-day realities by improving employability, encouraging entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, improving service delivery and easing the transition from education to productive work.
He said the broader objective of the reforms is to reposition the NYSC as a stronger platform for youth development and national growth.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to some media reports following my brief appearance earlier this morning on Channels TV regarding the ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), particularly on the issue of the proposed uniform.
“For the avoidance of doubt, yes, I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. 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.
“For the record, what we are considering are different options that tick all the right boxes in terms of professional outlook, a unique national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride. No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.
“As with every aspect of the ongoing NYSC reforms, any eventual decision will be guided by extensive stakeholder engagement and what best serves the interests of the Scheme and the nation.
“I respectfully urge Nigerians to continue to engage with the ongoing NYSC reform conversation based on its broader objectives and the immense benefits it holds for our young people and our country. The reforms are designed to make the Scheme more relevant to today’s realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and creating a smoother transition from education to productive careers.
“While conversations around the uniform are understandable, they should not overshadow the far-reaching reforms aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and positioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development.
“I appreciate the constructive feedback and assure Nigerians that every proposal will continue to be carefully considered in the best interest of the nation.”
Earlier on Thursday, Olawande had said the proposed replacement of the NYSC khaki uniform with Adire was part of efforts to promote local production and support Nigeria’s textile sector.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the minister said the proposed change in uniform was tied to a wider economic plan intended to create opportunities for young Nigerians and revive local value chains.
He noted that Adire is already produced in parts of the country, including Ogun and Kwara states, and said the government wants public spending to support local industries instead of benefiting foreign economies.
He said partly, “It’s Adire? Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have in Ogun, we have in Kwara, we have textile Industry. Let us put our money back into the country.”