NDE RHEI Phase 3 Recruitment 2026: Apply for National Directorate of Employment Training

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has officially commenced applications for the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 3, a nationwide skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programme aimed at empowering unemployed Nigerians with practical vocational, technical, agricultural, and digital skills.

The programme is designed to reduce unemployment by providing free training, monthly stipends (where applicable), business starter packs, and access to low-interest business loans for qualified participants.

If you are interested in developing employable skills or starting your own business, this guide explains everything you need to know about the NDE RHEI Phase 3 Recruitment 2026, including eligibility, available programmes, requirements, and how to apply successfully.

What is the National Directorate of Employment (NDE)?

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is a Federal Government agency established in 1986 to combat unemployment through vocational training, entrepreneurship development, public works, agricultural empowerment, and job creation programmes.

Over the years, the agency has trained hundreds of thousands of Nigerians across different sectors while supporting beneficiaries with business development opportunities and self-employment initiatives.

The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) is one of the Federal Government’s flagship programmes under the NDE to expand employment opportunities nationwide.

What is RHEI Phase 3?

The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 3 is the third phase of the Federal Government’s employment intervention programme implemented by the National Directorate of Employment.

According to information released by the NDE, the programme aims to train approximately 21,824 participants across Nigeria.

Participants will undergo practical training in selected skill areas before receiving certification and, for eligible beneficiaries, start-up support.

Programme Categories

Applicants can choose from several employment and entrepreneurship programmes.

1. Rural Employment Promotion (REP)

This programme focuses on agriculture and agribusiness development.

Available schemes include:

• Sustainable Agricultural Development Training Scheme (SADTS)
• Small Stock (Goat) Production Training Scheme
• Microlivestock Agricultural Training Scheme
• Community-Based Agricultural Training Scheme
• Fish Production and Feed Formulation Training Scheme
• Organic Agricultural Training Scheme

Skill areas include:

• Poultry farming
• Vegetable farming
• Goat rearing
• Sheep production
• Rabbit farming
• Snail farming
• Grass cutter rearing
• Bee keeping
• Fish farming
• Fish feed production
• Food processing
• Compost production
• Greenhouse farming
• Sack farming
• Irrigation farming

2. Small Scale Enterprises (SSE)

This category focuses on entrepreneurship development and business management for individuals interested in establishing small businesses.

3. Special Public Works (SPW)

The programme provides temporary employment opportunities while participants acquire employable skills and work experience.

4. Vocational Skills Development (VSD)

Participants receive practical training in technical and vocational trades relevant to today’s labour market.

These include various artisan, construction, manufacturing, ICT, and service-related occupations depending on the available training centres in each state.

Benefits of the NDE RHEI Phase 3 Programme

Successful applicants may enjoy several benefits, including:

• Free vocational and technical training
• Entrepreneurship development
• Agricultural skills acquisition
• Digital skills training
• Financial learning stipends (where applicable)
• NDE Certificate of Completion
• Business starter packs for selected trades
• Access to low-interest business loans
• Hands-on practical training
• Nationwide recognized certification

Who Can Apply?

Although specific requirements may vary by programme, applicants are generally expected to:

• Be Nigerian citizens.
• Be unemployed or underemployed.
• Meet the age requirement for their selected programme (many REP schemes indicate 18–50 years).
• Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
• Have a functional bank account linked to their BVN.
• Provide a recent passport photograph.
• Reside in Nigeria.
• Be willing to attend physical training at an assigned training centre.

Pre-Enrolment Assessment

Before final registration, every applicant must complete the mandatory pre-enrolment assessment.

The assessment verifies:

• Eligibility status
• Identity verification
• NIN validation
• BVN and bank account verification
• Age verification
• Passport photograph quality
• State of residence
• Availability of training centres near the applicant

The assessment helps the NDE assign applicants to suitable programmes and training locations.

How to Apply for NDE RHEI Phase 3 Recruitment 2026

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1

Create an account on the official NDE registration portal.

Step 2

Enter your National Identification Number (NIN).

Step 3

Complete your personal information.

Step 4

Choose your preferred:

• Programme
• Scheme
• Skill set

Step 5

Submit your application.

After submission:

• Save your registration number.
• Download your acknowledgement slip.
• Wait for further communication from NDE.

Step 6

If your State of Origin differs from your State of Residence, update your profile accordingly as verified through NIMC records.

Nationwide Training Centres

Training is conducted across:

• All 36 states
• Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Training locations include:

• NDE-owned training centres
• State-owned skill acquisition centres
• Accredited private vocational centres

This nationwide coverage allows participants to train close to their residence.

NDE Help Desk

Applicants experiencing registration or application issues can access the integrated support system through their client dashboard.

Support options include:

• Live Chat
• Support Ticket System

Support requests can be tracked directly from the applicant dashboard after submission.

Important Application Tips

To improve your chances of a successful application:

• Ensure your NIN details match your NIMC records.
• Upload a clear passport photograph.
• Use an active phone number and email address.
• Double-check your BVN and bank account details.
• Carefully select the programme that aligns with your interests and skills.
• Download and keep your acknowledgement slip after submission.

Is the NDE RHEI Phase 3 Application Free?

Yes.

The National Directorate of Employment does not charge any application fee for the RHEI Phase 3 programme.

Applicants are advised to avoid individuals or websites demanding payment in exchange for registration or guaranteed selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the NDE RHEI Phase 3 application currently open?

Applications are available through the official NDE registration portal during the announced application period. Interested applicants should complete their registration before the closing date once announced.

Who is eligible?

Eligible Nigerian citizens who meet the programme requirements, including age, identity verification, and other criteria specified during registration.

Is there an application fee?

No. The application is completely free.

Will participants receive certificates?

Yes. Participants who successfully complete their training receive an NDE Certificate of Completion.

Are stipends paid?

According to the programme information, eligible participants may receive stipends to support their training, subject to programme guidelines.

Are starter packs available?

Yes. Selected trades are expected to receive starter packs and may also qualify for access to low-interest business loans.

Final Thoughts

The NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 3 presents an excellent opportunity for unemployed Nigerians, graduates, school leavers, artisans, and aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire practical skills that can lead to sustainable employment and business ownership.

With free training, nationwide training centres, entrepreneurship support, and opportunities for business start-up assistance, the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and promote economic empowerment.

Interested applicants should complete their registration, undergo the mandatory pre-enrolment assessment, and monitor their dashboard for updates throughout the selection process.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Always apply through the official NDE portal and verify any updates from official NDE communication channels.

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