The Federal Government has officially commenced recruitment for Batch B of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), which began nationwide on March 9, 2026.
The initiative is designed to empower young Nigerians with financial support, entrepreneurship training, and business development opportunities, as part of broader efforts to reduce unemployment and promote economic inclusion.
Applications are now open for eligible youths across the country, with the programme offering grants, mentorship, and access to markets to help beneficiaries start or expand their businesses.
About The Programme
The YEIDEP Batch B Programme is a Federal Government initiative focused on tackling youth unemployment by supporting entrepreneurship and small business development across Nigeria.
Through this programme, beneficiaries receive financial grants, structured training, and mentorship to build sustainable businesses across multiple sectors of the economy.
Grant Value
₦50,000 – ₦500,000 startup grant
Non-repayable funding (grant, not a loan)
Programme Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
Startup grant funding (up to ₦500,000)
Entrepreneurship and vocational training
Mentorship and business support
Access to markets and growth opportunities
The Process Of Accessing The Grant
There has been a major update to how applicants can access the YEIDEP grant.
Applications are no longer done online.
To apply:
Visit any authorized YEIDEP partner bank
Request to open a YEIDEP account
Opening the account automatically registers you as a verified participant
Approved Partner Banks
Fidelity Bank
Keystone Bank
Wema Bank
Union Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank
Zenith Bank
Access Bank
United Bank for Africa
Ecobank
Lotus Bank
Alpha Morgan Bank
Special Note For Kano Residents
Applicants residing in Kano must register through the state YEIDEP committee instead of partner banks.
Who Should Apply
The programme is open to:
Nigerian youths aged 18–35 years
Individuals with:
A business idea, or
An existing small business
Applicants willing to participate in training and programme activities
Programme Focus Areas
Eligible sectors include:
Agriculture & agribusiness
ICT and digital services
Fashion and creative industries
Trade and small-scale services
Renewable energy and technical services
Will The Grant Be Returned?
The YEIDEP funding is structured as a grant, meaning it is non-repayable.
Beneficiaries are not required to pay back the money, unlike loans.
However, deep policy insights from similar Federal Government intervention programmes show that:
Beneficiaries are expected to use the funds strictly for business purposes
Proper monitoring and evaluation may be conducted to track usage
Misuse of funds could lead to disqualification from future government programmes
This structure is designed to encourage entrepreneurship without placing financial repayment pressure on young Nigerians.
Important Notes
Application is FREE, do not pay anyone
Only use official bank channels
Avoid agents or third parties claiming to “help” you register
Ensure you have valid identification (e.g., NIN)
The YEIDEP Batch B 2026 programme represents a significant opportunity for young Nigerians to access funding, training, and business support without the burden of repayment.
By shifting the application process to verified banking channels, the Federal Government aims to improve transparency, reduce fraud, and ensure that the grants reach genuine beneficiaries.
For many youths, especially those with business ideas or existing small enterprises, this initiative could serve as a critical stepping stone toward financial independence and long-term economic growth.
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