As of May 1, 2025, a total of 4,638,431 Nigerian youths have registered for the Federal Government's Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP)—a strategic national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and promot…
As of May 1, 2025, a total of 4,638,431 Nigerian youths have registered for the Federal Government's Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP)—a strategic national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and promoting peace through economic empowerment.
The Ministry overseeing the programme announced the figures in a statement on Monday, noting that the registration portal remains open until May 31, 2025.
"We are encouraged by the overwhelming response from Nigerian youths across the country. The numbers so far reflect growing trust in the government's empowerment agenda," the statement read.
Supporting Youths, Reducing Crime
YEIDEP was launched to provide young Nigerians—particularly in underserved and high-risk communities—with vocational training, business support, mentorship, and access to funding. The programme targets individuals aged 18 to 35 and is free of charge.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to address youth restiveness, reduce crime, and boost local entrepreneurship through sustainable means.
"With the ongoing rise in youth unemployment and economic challenges, YEIDEP offers a lifeline that aligns empowerment with peacebuilding and national development," the Ministry added.
Read also
Programme Benefits
According to the Ministry, applicants stand to benefit in the following ways:
Skill acquisition in key vocational and entrepreneurial sectors
Participation in a structured mentorship programme
Government support for small business development
Access to financial assistance or startup funding
YEIDEP 2025 Activity Schedule
The Ministry also released a timeline for post-registration activities:
Activity
Date
Application Deadline
May 31, 2025
Collation of Beneficiary Accounts
June 1 – June 8, 2025
Engagement with Ministry Officials
June 11 – June 30, 2025
Funds Disbursement (Batch A)
July 1 – July 31, 2025
Following registration, selected candidates will be contacted to provide their account details, attend engagement sessions, and prepare for disbursement activities.
Final Call to Action
The Ministry is urging qualified individuals who have not yet registered to do so before the May 31 deadline. Officials reiterated that late applications will not be accepted after the portal closes.
With over 4.6 million applicants already enrolled, YEIDEP is being positioned as one of the largest youth-focused economic empowerment programmes in Nigeria's history.
Interested applicants can visit the official YEIDEP registration portal to apply and join the thousands of young Nigerians taking their future into their own hands.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has thrown his weight behind a transformative initiative targeting the empowerment of 10,000 youths and women across the state through training in agriculture, the creative industry, and other sectors.The capac…
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has thrown his weight behind a transformative initiative targeting the empowerment of 10,000 youths and women across the state through training in agriculture, the creative industry, and other sectors.
The capacity-building effort falls under the Transforming Nigerian Youth project a partnership between the Niger State Government, Pan-Atlantic University's Enterprise Development Centre, and the Mastercard Foundation.
During a courtesy visit by the Centre's delegation to the Government House in Minna, Governor Bago commended the initiative, stating it aligns with his administration's agenda for human capital development.
He assured continued collaboration with development agencies to extend such opportunities to people with disabilities as well.
Director of Programmes and Partnerships, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, disclosed that 50 Nigerlites are currently undergoing certification as business development service providers to support the training of the larger target group.
He praised the Governor's leadership and infrastructure drive, adding that the program will assist participants in transitioning to the formal economy and gaining visibility for their products locally and internationally.
Special Adviser on Social Investment, Hauwa Bako, described the initiative as a strong show of commitment to building a prosperous future through youth and women empowerment.
The US Africa Development Foundation (USADF) has slashed $51 million in funding for African SMEs and startups, affecting over 1,000 businesses across 22 countries. The move, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump admin…
The US Africa Development Foundation (USADF) has slashed $51 million in funding for African SMEs and startups, affecting over 1,000 businesses across 22 countries.
The move, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration, puts cooperatives, smallholder farmers, and early-stage ideas at risk especially in Nigeria and Kenya.
Nigeria and Kenya, the biggest beneficiaries of USADF, had received $20.4m and $16.9m respectively to support rural and women-led enterprises. Over 397 businesses in both countries now face uncertain futures.
Projects hit by the cut include a $48,000 WhatsApp chatbot for Kenyan businesses, an $84,000 wellness incubator in Nigeria, and nearly $230,000 for a shea butter project in Burkina Faso.
DOGE claims the cut is part of an efficiency drive that has saved US taxpayers $140 billion. But the loss of direct-to-business grants often the only source of risk capital for early-stage African ideas could disrupt value chains and spark fresh calls for homegrown funding models.
