Public affairs analysts in Rivers State have criticised the Federal Government’s proposal to replace the traditional National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, khaki uniform with local Adire fabric, describing the move as a misplaced priority.
The critics argued that the country is currently facing severe economic hardship and worsening security concerns, and urged the government to focus on more pressing issues affecting young Nigerians instead of cosmetic changes to the scheme.
Speaking in an interview, security analyst Charles Inko-Tariah said Nigeria is grappling with deep structural challenges that require urgent attention, rather than a uniform reform. He maintained that the government should channel its energy towards policies that directly address the welfare and security of youths.
Also reacting, a lecturer in Politics and Governance at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr. Goodluck Okeh, said changing the NYSC uniform would add no meaningful economic value to the nation. He called on the Federal Government to instead introduce targeted initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment and improving the welfare of corps members.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not approved Adire as the new uniform for corps members. In a statement posted on his official X handle, Olawande said reports claiming that Adire had been adopted to replace the iconic khaki uniform misrepresented his comments during a television interview.
According to the minister, Adire and Ankara were only cited as examples of proposals being considered under ongoing reforms of the NYSC scheme, stressing that no final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.
