The Federal Government has officially opened the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) Batch B recruitment exercise, giving millions of Nigerians another opportunity to access a proposed N500,000 startup grant and business support package.
The programme, which is aimed at tackling youth unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship, is expected to benefit up to 20 million young Nigerians across the country.
The announcement was made by the Coordinator-General of YEIDEP, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, who encouraged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the new registration phase and complete the application process through designated partner banks.
According to programme officials, YEIDEP is designed to help young people establish sustainable businesses, create jobs, and reduce economic hardship by providing access to startup capital and empowerment opportunities.
What is YEIDEP?
The Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) is a youth-focused economic empowerment initiative established to support entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and job creation among Nigerians.
The programme seeks to address some of the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and youth disenchantment.
Organisers say the initiative goes beyond providing financial support, as beneficiaries are expected to gain access to structures that encourage long-term business development and economic participation.
By helping young people build viable enterprises, the programme aims to contribute to national productivity while reducing the social risks associated with widespread unemployment.
FG Targets 20 Million Youths for Economic Empowerment
Speaking on the objectives of the programme, Iyere said YEIDEP plans to empower up to 20 million Nigerian youths through startup support and entrepreneurship development initiatives.
He explained that increasing access to business opportunities remains one of the most effective ways to create employment and improve economic outcomes for young people.
According to him, youth empowerment is critical to reducing poverty and addressing issues linked to economic exclusion.
Programme officials believe that equipping young Nigerians with resources and support can help strengthen local businesses, boost productivity, and create additional employment opportunities within communities.
Who Can Apply for YEIDEP Batch B?
The Batch B recruitment exercise is open to Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 50 years.
Applicants are expected to meet all registration requirements and complete the verification process through approved financial institutions participating in the programme.
Officials have advised interested individuals to ensure they provide accurate information throughout the registration process to avoid disqualification.
Major Change Introduced in Batch B Registration
One of the biggest changes introduced in the new recruitment phase is the registration process itself.
Unlike Batch A, which relied heavily on online registration and digital data collection, Batch B applicants will be required to physically visit designated partner banks to open a YEIDEP account.
According to programme organisers, the bank account serves as a key component of the verification process and will be used to confirm genuine participants.
Officials stressed that opening a YEIDEP bank account is now the only approved pathway for becoming a verified applicant and potential beneficiary under the programme.
This adjustment, they explained, is intended to improve accountability, strengthen identity verification, and reduce fraudulent applications.
Registration is Completely Free
The programme management has warned applicants not to pay any individual, agent, or bank official for registration.
According to the organisers, the entire application process is free of charge.
Applicants have been encouraged to report any attempt by individuals or institutions to demand money before processing their registration.
The warning comes amid concerns that fraudsters may attempt to exploit prospective beneficiaries during the recruitment exercise.
Who Is Not Eligible?
YEIDEP officials clarified that not everyone who participated in Batch A can register again.
Individuals who successfully completed the previous recruitment phase and already possess confirmed YEIDEP bank accounts are not eligible for Batch B registration.
However, those who registered during Batch A but were unable to secure a confirmed YEIDEP account may participate in the current recruitment exercise.
The organisers also issued a strong warning against multiple registrations.
Applicants found submitting duplicate applications or attempting to register more than once will be automatically disqualified from the programme.
Kano State to Operate Separate Recruitment Process
The nationwide recruitment exercise will be conducted across all states except Kano.
According to the organisers, YEIDEP registration in Kano State will be managed separately by the state government through a dedicated steering committee established by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Applicants from Kano are advised to await further directives from state authorities regarding registration procedures and implementation timelines.
List of Approved Partner Banks
The following financial institutions have been authorised to participate in the Batch B recruitment exercise:
- Fidelity Bank
- Keystone Bank
- Alpha Morgan Bank
- Wema Bank
- Union Bank
- Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)
- Zenith Bank
- Access Bank
- United Bank for Africa (UBA)
- Ecobank
- Lotus Bank
Prospective applicants are expected to visit any of the approved banks to complete the account opening and verification process.
Opportunities Available Through the Programme
Nigeria continues to face significant youth unemployment challenges, with many graduates and young entrepreneurs struggling to access funding and business opportunities.
Experts have repeatedly identified access to startup capital as one of the biggest barriers preventing young people from launching or expanding businesses.
Programmes such as YEIDEP are expected to provide a platform for economic participation by supporting self-employment and entrepreneurship.
While beneficiaries hope to access the proposed N500,000 startup grant, analysts note that the long-term impact of the programme will depend on effective implementation, transparency, and the provision of adequate support systems for participants.
What Applicants Should Do Next
Interested Nigerians who meet the age requirement are advised to visit any approved partner bank and begin the account opening process as soon as possible.
Applicants should ensure they provide accurate personal information, avoid multiple registrations, and follow only official communication channels regarding the programme.
As interest in the initiative continues to grow nationwide, eligible youths are encouraged to complete their registration early and remain vigilant against fraudsters posing as programme officials.
