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The Nigerian government has clarified that it has not approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande made the clarification after reports suggested that Adire had been adopted to replace the NYSC‘s traditional khaki uniform.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the minister said his earlier comments during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief had been misinterpreted.
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… pic.twitter.com/y8qfCrtfnh
— Ayodele Olawande (@ayowisdom_) July 2, 2026
He explained that Adire and Ankara were mentioned only as examples of proposals being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the scheme.
“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 said.
Olawande stressed that no final decision has been taken on the fabric or design of a new uniform.
According to him, the government is considering options that reflect professionalism, national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness and national pride.
He said any eventual decision would be based on extensive stakeholder consultations and what best serves the interests of the NYSC and the country.
The minister also urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing reforms.
“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,” he said.
He added that the reforms are aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and strengthening the NYSC as a platform for national development.
The proposed uniform review forms part of a wider overhaul of the 53-year-old scheme approved by the Federal Executive Council, which also includes skills-based deployment of corps members, civilian operational leadership for the NYSC and amendments to the NYSC Act.
