Copyright bizwatchnigeria
For thousands of young Nigerians with dreams bigger than their wallets, the reopening of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) portal might just be the opportunity of a lifetime. With grants of up to ₦500,000 available to eligible applicants, the initiative offers a rare chance to turn bright ideas into real businesses — no collateral, no loans, just potential meeting opportunity. A Second Chance for Young Entrepreneurs After months of delay, the Federal Government has reopened the YEIDEP application portal for 2025. The programme, which had initially faced postponement due to fraudulent activities, is back stronger, promising a transparent and secure process that ensures genuine applicants are rewarded. YEIDEP is more than just a grant scheme — it’s part of a larger national strategy to reduce unemployment, fight poverty, and equip Nigerian youth with entrepreneurial tools that can lead to self-sufficiency. What the YEIDEP Grant Offers The initiative provides financial support ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000 to help young Nigerians start or expand small businesses in selected productive sectors. But money isn’t the only benefit. Beneficiaries also gain access to entrepreneurship training, mentorship programmes, and enterprise development resources designed to help their businesses grow sustainably. According to programme organisers, YEIDEP targets Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 35 years who hold valid National Identification Numbers (NIN), Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), and bank accounts with Lotus Bank, Keystone Bank, or Fidelity Bank — the three partner institutions for the scheme. Who Can Apply? If you’ve ever dreamed of building a business in agriculture, fashion, technology, entertainment, renewable energy, sports, or other creative and productive sectors, YEIDEP was designed with you in mind. The programme seeks individuals who aren’t just chasing money but are passionate about creating value and jobs in their communities. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a genuine interest in their chosen fields and present viable business ideas that can contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. How to Apply — And Stand Out Registration for the grant is open exclusively through the official YEIDEP portal, where applicants must fill out their details, upload required documents, and select their preferred sector. Officials have warned that there are no shortcuts or “back doors” — and applicants should only rely on verified communication channels, particularly the scheme’s official Facebook page, for accurate updates. To increase your chances of selection, experts recommend preparing a clear and realistic business plan that reflects innovation, sustainability, and local impact. Remember, the goal is not just to receive the grant but to build a business that thrives long after the programme ends. Why This Matters Now Nigeria’s unemployment rate remains high, and access to business funding has been a major challenge for many young entrepreneurs. The YEIDEP programme arrives at a critical moment when many youths are seeking genuine opportunities to build financial independence and escape the cycle of joblessness. Government officials have assured that this round of the programme will be transparent, fair, and secure, with extra measures in place to prevent fraud and ensure that the right people get funded. A Step Toward a More Empowered Youth Beyond the ₦500,000 grant, YEIDEP symbolizes hope — a commitment to young Nigerians who refuse to give up on their ambitions. It represents a belief that with the right support, mentorship, and funding, the country’s youth can drive innovation and economic transformation. So, if you’re between 18 and 35, armed with a business idea and the drive to succeed, this might just be your moment. Log on to the YEIDEP portal, follow the instructions carefully, and take that bold step toward becoming one of Nigeria’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
