Controversy trails NYSC’s plan to replace khaki with local fabric

By Agnes Bature

Controversy has trailed the National Youth Service Corps’ plan to replace its iconic khaki uniform with local fabric, as corps members and stakeholders continue to debate the proposed change.

Some stakeholders who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the move would promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen the local textile industry.

Others, however, argued that the traditional khaki uniform remained a symbol of unity, discipline, and the identity of the scheme.

Mr Yakubu Isaiah, a corps member, said that Nigerian fabric was distinct and could project the country’s culture globally.

“Wearing a local fabric as part of the NYSC uniform will showcase our culture to the world and make corps members stand out, instead of wearing another military-style uniform,” Isaiah said.

He added that large-scale production of the Nigeria local fabric for the scheme would create employment opportunities for local artisans, particularly women involved in textile production.

Another corps member, Miss Blessing Iwu, expressed reservations about the proposal, noting that the khaki uniform was durable and ensured uniformity.

“Khaki is strong and looks the same on everyone. Local fabric fades more easily, tears faster, and different production batches may have varying shades,” Iwu said.

She also expressed concern that quality local fabric could be more expensive if not subsidised by the government, forcing corps members to spend more on additional uniforms.

Miss Chidimma Chinedu, a resident of Beggar’s Yard, Abuja, supported the proposal, arguing that locally produced fabric would reduce dependence on imported materials.

Chinedu said that replacing khaki and some imported uniform materials with locally made fabric could help reduce import costs, conserve foreign exchange, and support local industries.

According to her, local fabric is also lighter and more breathable than khaki, making it more suitable for Nigeria’s hot climate, particularly during orientation camp.

Similarly, Mr Ayoola John, a corps member serving in an engineering firm in Abuja, said the adoption of local fabric would give the NYSC scheme a distinctive Nigerian identity.

John said that passing-out parades, community development service activities, and official photographs would better reflect Nigeria’s cultural heritage and foster greater national pride.

Miss Hamzat Osigwe, a graduate of Agricultural Science, University of Jos, however, cautioned that the success of the proposal would depend largely on its implementation.

“Some young people fear it may become another policy that is poorly implemented. If the local fabric supplied is of poor quality or distributed late, it will create unnecessary challenges during orientation camp,” Osigwe said.

She also argued that the khaki uniform symbolised discipline, unity, and national service, adding that replacing it with a cultural fabric could alter public perception of the scheme.

NAN reports that the proposal was first announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, who suggested replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally produced fabrics.

NAN reports that the idea is to promote Nigeria’s textile industry, create jobs, and retain government spending within the country.

The announcement, however, sparked widespread reactions on social media, particularly on X, with many Nigerians expressing divergent views. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

BA/AIR/DE

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Edited by Abujah Racheal/Dorcas Jonah/