The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the 53-year-old scheme.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the development during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday.

‘Let’s put our money back into Nigeria’

Olawande said the new uniform would be produced in Nigeria to support local industries and reduce government spending on imported materials.”It’s Adire… Let’s put our money back into the country. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry,” the minister said.

Adire is a traditional tie-dye fabric widely produced in parts of southwestern Nigeria and has become one of the country’s most recognised indigenous textiles.

Part of wider NYSC reforms

The proposed uniform change is part of a broader reform package recently approved by the Federal Government for the NYSC.

The reforms include improved orientation camp standards, a redesigned graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, a new uniform design and measures aimed at making the scheme more skills-driven and employment-focused.

The government said the reforms are intended to modernise the NYSC while promoting local production and economic growth.

Announcement sparks reactions

The proposal has generated mixed reactions on social media.

While some Nigerians welcomed the move as a way of supporting local textile manufacturers, others questioned whether changing the uniform should take priority over issues such as corps members’ welfare, security and improved allowances.

The Federal Government has yet to announce when the new Adire uniform will be introduced.

“It’s Adire… Let’s put our money back into the country.”

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirms that the NYSC traditional khaki uniform will be replaced with Adire fabric as part of the new reforms.#CTVMorningBrief pic.twitter.com/4Za3Z91HuN

— Channels Television (@channelstv) July 2, 2026