The Federal Government has confirmed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will soon wear uniforms made from locally produced Adire fabric, replacing the long-standing khaki attire as part of newly approved reforms.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this during an interview on Thursday, explaining that the decision forms part of broader efforts to strengthen local industries by directing government spending toward Nigerian textile manufacturers.
According to the minister, the new uniforms will be produced with Adire fabric sourced from local textile hubs, including states such as Ogun and Kwara, in a bid to boost domestic production and support the country’s economy.
Olawande also revealed that the government is introducing a new deployment system that will assign corps members based on their academic qualifications and professional training rather than the current random posting process.
He explained that graduates trained in fields such as education would be posted to institutions that match their areas of expertise, using information gathered during orientation camp to determine suitable placements.
The minister added that the reforms would also take security concerns into account by allowing more corps members to serve in regions where they studied or are already familiar with the environment, especially in areas facing security challenges.
According to him, the new approach is expected to reduce concerns among parents and participants while making the deployment process more efficient and practical.
Olawande also dismissed reports suggesting that the military would be removed from the NYSC under the reform programme, describing the claims as inaccurate.
He clarified that while the operational leadership of the scheme will become civilian-led, the military will continue to play a vital role in providing security and other necessary support for corps members nationwide.
The reforms follow the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of a comprehensive restructuring of the NYSC, representing the most significant overhaul of the scheme since its establishment more than five decades ago.
As part of the changes, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development have been directed to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to accommodate the approved reforms.
The Federal Government said the restructuring is aimed at transforming the NYSC into a more skills-focused and productivity-driven programme that promotes youth empowerment and supports Nigeria’s long-term economic development goals.
