The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced the commencement of Batch B registration for the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) starting March 9, 2026.
This initiative is designed to empower millions of Nigerian youths with startup grants, entrepreneurship training, and business support to help them build sustainable businesses and reduce unemployment across the country.
One of the most exciting updates is that qualified beneficiaries will receive a minimum of ₦500,000 in grant funding, which does not need to be repaid.
In this guide, you will learn everything about YEIDEP 2026 registration, eligibility, requirements, partner banks, and how to apply successfully.
The Youth Economic Intervention and De‑Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) is a national youth empowerment initiative coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.The programme aims to tackle major challenges affecting Nigerian youths such as:
Youth unemployment
Poverty
Economic exclusion
Youth radicalisation and insecurity
Through this initiative, the government intends to engage young Nigerians in entrepreneurship and productive economic activities to strengthen national development and security.
The programme plans to empower up to 20 million Nigerian youths through funding, mentorship, and business development support.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, recently announced a major upgrade to the programme.Previous Funding PlanInitially, the support range was:₦50,000 – ₦500,000 New Funding UpdateThe government has now confirmed that:
Every beneficiary will receive at least ₦500,000 Some beneficiaries may receive more depending on business needsThe announcement was made during the YEIDEP end-of-year stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos
No.
The government has clearly stated that YEIDEP funding is a grant, meaning:
✔ It does not require repayment
✔ It is meant to support business startup and growth
✔ Beneficiaries will also receive training and mentorship.
The goal is to help young Nigerians become entrepreneurs, job creators, and wealth builders.
The Federal Government has scheduled Batch B registration to begin nationwide on:📅 March 9, 2026
The recruitment will take place across Nigeria for qualified youths who want to participate in the programme.
However, applicants are warned to avoid multiple registrations, as anyone caught registering more than once may be disqualified.
To apply for the programme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Basic Requirements
Must be a Nigerian citizen Age 18 – 50 years
Must have a valid NIN (National Identification Number)
Must have a BVN (Bank Verification Number)
Must be interested in entrepreneurship
Priority sectors include:
Agriculture Agro-processing Livestock production
Food production and distribution
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
The programme is designed especially for young entrepreneurs who want to start or grow businesses.
To participate in Batch B, applicants are required to open a YEIDEP bank account with one of the programme’s partner banks.Approved banks include:
Fidelity Bank
Lotus Bank
Keystone Bank
Opening the YEIDEP bank account is the only official way to become a recognised participant in the programme.
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Ensure you have:
NIN
BVN
Valid phone number
Personal details
Step 2: Open a YEIDEP Account
Visit any of the partner banks:
Fidelity Bank
Lotus Bank
Keystone Bank
Tell them you want to open a YEIDEP account.
Step 3: Complete Registration
After opening the account, you will be registered as a YEIDEP participant.
Step 4: Await Verification
Authorities will verify your information and determine eligibility.
Step 5: Training and Grant Disbursement
Selected beneficiaries will receive:
Business training
Mentorship
Startup grants starting from ₦500,000
The Federal Government has issued several warnings:
⚠ Registration is completely FREE
⚠ Do not pay anyone to secure a slot
⚠ Avoid multiple registrations
⚠ Report any official requesting money
Any request for payment during registration should be reported immediately.
Nigeria currently faces a significant youth unemployment challenge.
YEIDEP seeks to address this by:
Supporting youth entrepreneurship
Reducing poverty and unemployment
Preventing youth involvement in crime and radical activities
Promoting economic development and national stability
By empowering young people financially and economically, the government hopes to create millions of small businesses across Nigeria.
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