The Federal Government has reopened applications for its 2025 Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme following a suspension caused by fraudulent activities targeting potential beneficiaries.
The initiative, designed to tackle youth unemployment and radicalization through entrepreneurship support, offers grants ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000 to young Nigerians seeking to establish or expand businesses across various economic sectors.
YEIDEP provides a comprehensive support package that extends beyond financial assistance to include entrepreneurship training, mentorship opportunities, and access to enterprise development services aimed at ensuring long-term business viability.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Nigerian citizens aged between 18 and 35 years may apply for the programme, provided they meet specific documentation requirements. Eligible applicants must possess both a valid National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number.
A critical requirement limits participation to individuals holding accounts with one of three designated financial institutions: Lotus Bank, Keystone Bank, or Fidelity Bank. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate genuine interest and intent to operate in one of the government-approved economic sectors.
The programme targets businesses in agriculture, fashion and design, technology, entertainment, sports, renewable energy, and other productive industries identified as growth areas for youth entrepreneurship.
Registration must be completed exclusively through the official YEIDEP portal. Programme administrators have advised prospective applicants to follow the scheme’s verified Facebook page for authentic updates and guidance, particularly in light of recent fraud attempts.
Programme Suspended Over Scam Incidents
The application portal was previously closed after authorities detected fraudulent schemes in which scammers impersonated programme officials to extort money from unsuspecting young Nigerians attempting to register for the initiative.
These fraud cases prompted the government to temporarily halt the programme while implementing enhanced security measures and verification protocols to protect applicants from exploitation.
With the portal now reopened, federal authorities have emphasized their commitment to maintaining a transparent and secure application process. Officials assured the public that strengthened safeguards are in place to ensure that grants reach genuine beneficiaries rather than fraudsters.
The government frames YEIDEP as a strategic intervention to address multiple challenges facing Nigerian youth, including unemployment, poverty, and vulnerability to radicalization. By providing startup capital combined with skills development, the programme aims to create a generation of self-reliant entrepreneurs who can contribute to economic growth while remaining resistant to extremist recruitment.
The comprehensive approach reflects recognition that sustainable youth empowerment requires more than financial handouts, necessitating structured training and ongoing mentorship to build viable enterprises capable of generating income and employment opportunities.
As applications resume, the success of the initiative will depend not only on the volume of grants disbursed but on the survival rates of businesses launched through the programme and their cumulative impact on youth unemployment and economic participation across Nigeria.
