JUST IN: FG MOVES TO REPLACE NYSC KHAKI UNIFORM WITH LOCALLY MADE ADIRE IN MAJOR REFORM PLAN

FG MOVES TO REPLACE NYSC KHAKI UNIFORM WITH LOCALLY MADE ADIRE IN MAJOR REFORM PLAN

The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the traditional National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of a major reform initiative aimed at restructuring and modernizing the national service scheme.

The development was disclosed by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, where he outlined key changes being introduced to reposition the scheme for greater national impact.

According to the minister, the proposed transition from the long-standing khaki uniform to Adire is designed to strengthen local production, support Nigeria’s textile industry, and ensure government spending contributes directly to economic growth within the country.

Olawande explained that Adire fabrics are already being produced in several parts of Nigeria, including states such as Ogun and Kwara, adding that the government wants to prioritize patronage of locally manufactured goods rather than spending resources on imported materials.

He stated that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to stimulate domestic industries while creating more opportunities within Nigeria’s textile and creative sectors.

Beyond the uniform change, the minister revealed that the Federal Government is also introducing reforms to ensure corps members are posted based on their academic qualifications and professional training.

Under the new arrangement, graduates with specialized qualifications, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and technical fields, would be deployed to institutions and workplaces that match their areas of study.

According to Olawande, the move is intended to make the NYSC programme more impactful by ensuring corps members contribute meaningfully in sectors where their expertise is most needed.

The minister further disclosed that the government is reviewing the deployment system to improve security and reduce concerns associated with postings to unfamiliar regions, especially in areas facing security challenges.

He explained that one option being considered is allowing prospective corps members to serve in geographical regions where they studied or areas they are already familiar with, while still giving room for those willing to serve in other parts of the country voluntarily.

The proposal, according to the government, is expected to reduce the frequent requests for redeployment while making the process more efficient and practical for both corps members and administrators.

Addressing concerns surrounding the future role of the military within the NYSC scheme, Olawande dismissed reports suggesting that the armed forces would be completely removed from the programme.

He clarified that under the proposed structure, the military would continue to provide security support for corps members nationwide, although operational leadership of the scheme would now be handled by a civilian administrator.

The reforms follow the approval granted earlier this week by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for a comprehensive review of the NYSC scheme, marking what officials describe as the first major reform of the programme since its establishment in 1973.

As part of the implementation process, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to accommodate the new changes.

The Federal Government says the reforms are aimed at making the scheme more effective, economically beneficial, and better aligned with current national realities.