FG Approves Major NYSC Reforms, Plans Adire Uniforms for Corps Members

The Federal Government has approved major reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including plans to replace the scheme’s traditional khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of efforts to promote indigenous textile production and support the Nigerian economy.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television, saying the reforms are aimed at transforming the NYSC into a more skills-driven and economically impactful programme.

According to the minister, adopting Adire for corps members’ uniforms will ensure that government spending benefits local textile manufacturers.

“It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande said.

He also announced that corps members will now be posted based on their academic qualifications and professional skills, replacing the existing system where postings are often unrelated to graduates’ areas of expertise.

Olawande explained that the new deployment framework would begin during orientation camp and determine where corps members are posted after completing camp activities.

The minister said the reforms also introduce a security-conscious deployment model, with preference given to corps members who are familiar with areas facing security challenges.

According to him, the measure is designed to address safety concerns while allowing willing participants to choose postings outside their regions.

“If you have interest that you want to go to the North-East, why not? But if you don’t have interest, we should look at those who know the area and can still serve effectively there,” he said.

Olawande dismissed reports suggesting the military would be removed from the NYSC, describing such claims as a misunderstanding of the reform.

He clarified that while operational leadership of the scheme would shift from military to civilian administration, the military would continue to provide security support for corps members nationwide.

The minister noted that the reforms, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), will require amendments to the NYSC Act by the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development before implementation.

He added that the overhaul is intended to reposition the NYSC as a skills-based and productivity-focused youth development programme capable of contributing to the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda.