The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has backtracked from his remarks that the federal government approved a reform to change the uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from the traditional khaki to Adire fabric.

Mr Olawande had confirmed the decision in an interview on Channels TV on Thursday morning, stating the reform was aimed at encouraging local manufacturing.

However, hours after his announcement sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians, Mr Olawande said in a statement that the government was yet to approve a new uniform to replace the khaki.

Mr Olawande acknowledged that he mentioned Adire and Ankara in the interview, but maintained that he cited them only as proposed choices.

“For the avoidance of doubt, yes, I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara,” he said. “My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations.”

He added, “It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform.”

The minister noted that the government was assessing various uniform options and unique designs to reflect both professional and national values.

“For the record, what we are considering are different options that tick all the right boxes in terms of professional outlook, a unique national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride.

“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design,” Mr Olawande noted.

Meanwhile, the minister assured that the government would continue to engage with Nigerians as the NYSC embarks on a major overhaul of the scheme.