FG Unveils Adire as New NYSC Uniform in Sweeping Reform of National Service Scheme

The Federal Government has announced that the iconic khaki uniform worn by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will be replaced with locally produced Adire fabric as part of a comprehensive reform of the 53-year-old national service scheme.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the development on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, explaining that the decision is aimed at promoting indigenous textile production and ensuring government spending supports Nigerian industries.

According to the minister, the new uniform will be sourced from local manufacturers, particularly in states with established Adire and textile production.

The uniform change is one of several reforms recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to reposition the NYSC into a more skills-driven and productivity-focused institution.

Beyond the change in attire, the minister said corps members would increasingly be deployed based on their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds. Under the proposed arrangement, graduates with education-related degrees, for instance, would be posted to schools rather than being assigned without regard to their areas of specialization.

Olawande also revealed that the government is reviewing the deployment process in response to security concerns. He said authorities are considering posting prospective corps members to regions where they studied or are already familiar with the environment, particularly in areas experiencing insecurity. The measure, he noted, is intended to reduce anxiety among parents and participants while making deployments more practical.

Addressing reports that the military would be removed from the NYSC, the minister dismissed the claims as inaccurate. He clarified that while the scheme’s operational leadership is expected to become civilian-led, the military will continue to provide security support and perform its existing responsibilities within the programme.

The reforms follow FEC’s approval earlier this week of the first major overhaul of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973. As part of the implementation process, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and relevant regulations to accommodate the approved changes. The Federal Government says the reforms are designed to transform the scheme into a youth empowerment platform aligned with its broader economic development objectives.