YEIDEP Portal Reopens: Why You Should Act Now

“Opportunity comes but once,” well…twice, in this case. If you’re a youth in Nigeria, you’re likely wondering where the next opportunity will come from. It has now come in the form of the second instalment of YEIDEP. 

The FG has reopened the YEIDEP portal, offering business grants of up to ₦500,000 for youths with viable ideas or small businesses.

When opportunity knocks, you don’t just peek through the door, you open it wide. Here is everything you need to know about the YEIDEP. In this article, you’ll find out exactly how to take advantage of this FG-led initiative.

What is YEIDEP?

The Youth Economic Intervention & De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) was previously known as the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement & De‑Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP), but FG renamed it to YEIDEP in 2025 to reflect a broader vision.

It’s a national initiative run by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) and it’s aimed at youth empowerment, business support, job creation, and countering youth excesses. Under this scheme, eligible youth can receive grants of up to ₦500,000 to start or grow a business.

The goal? To channel youth energy into productive ventures, reduce unemployment, and improve security by giving young Nigerians economic opportunity. Is this FG putting their money where their mouth is?

Who Can Register?

Any Nigerian between the ages of 18 and 35 who has drive, good ideas, and/or a small business can apply, but here are the core eligibility details:

• Nigerian citizen, residing in any of the 36 states + FCT.
• Typically aged between 18 and 35 years (some sources say up to 45, but the key focus is youth).
• You must have a business idea or be running a small enterprise (existing or startup) you’re ready to scale. FG won’t just hand money to you.
• You must register on the official portal (no offline fees) and provide accurate personal/business details.

If you tick those boxes, you’re most likely in. And you should act now.

How To Register: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a streamlined guide to your application process, so you’re not stuck guessing when it’s your turn:

1. Visit the Official Portal – Go to the yeidep portal and click the registration link.
2. Create Your Profile – Fill in your name, NIN, BVN, phone number, email, state, LGA, business idea summary, etc.
3. Select Your Sector/Business Type – Indicate the industry you want to go into (see next section).
4. Submit the Application Form – Double check all entries before submission. Incomplete or incorrect details may disqualify you.
5. Wait for Verification – After applying, the programme will verify your data, your bank account (linked to a partner bank) and your business idea.
6. Follow-Up Notification – If shortlisted, you’ll receive updates via SMS/email about training, disbursement, and next steps.

See? It’s easy. Maybe too easy!

You probably don’t want to wait until you finish reading this article before you apply. Millions of people will be applying.

What Fields Are Covered?

Young Nigerians with ambition across a range of sectors can apply. According to the FG’s announcements, these are key fields:

• Agriculture and agro-allied ventures (livestock, food cultivation, processing, packaging, warehousing, etc)
• Information & Communications Technology (ICT), digital entrepreneurship, creative industries
• Micro and small enterprises in retail, fashion, vocational trades and services

Whether you own a tech startup in Ikeja, a fashion line in Kano, or a poultry farm in Makurdi, you have a shot at this grant. You only need to show how your business can scale, create jobs, or impact your community.

Who Is Sponsoring YEIDEP?

YEIDEP is backed by FG, through FMYD. It also partners with banks and civil society groups to deliver funding and support.

The big players in the banking sector have put their full weight behind this programme. Fidelity Bank, Keystone Bank, Union Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank, and others are listed as sponsors.

This means once you’re through the portal, you’ll also work with a bank partner for account verification, funds disbursement and mentoring support.

Why Young Nigerians Should Take This Very Seriously

This is a huge opportunity, and acting swiftly is the only guaranteed way of taking advantage of it.

• Grants, not loans: These are grants, not loans. That means you don’t carry debt from day one. You should still verify the terms when you apply
• A chance to beat unemployment: With Nigeria’s youth unemployment at alarming levels, this is external support targeted directly at you. If you’re hitting job market walls, creating your own path may just be the best way to go from here.
• Empower yourself, empower others: Grants of up to ₦500,000 mean you can fund startup costs, buy equipment (depending on the business), hire help. Your business could employ others too, this would mean you’re also taking steps to solve the unemployment issue.
• Nationwide Access: It’s open to youths across all states, not just big cities. Whether you’re in Lagos or Maiduguri, you’re eligible.
• Competition is high: With millions registering, you want to apply early, present a strong business plan and show readiness.
• Opportunity for Growth – Even if you don’t get the full grant, being shortlisted puts you on the radar: networks, training, possible follow-on support.

If you treat this like “just another registration,” you’ll be behind someone treating it like their future.

Your Move. Make It Count.

Yes, there’s distrust with the government, but it would be unwise to treat this with levity. It’s a grant, and you have nothing to lose. Register, Apply, and see what comes from it. This is a small step from FG, but if the right people take advantage, millions could be positively impacted.

YEIDEP is a path. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s definitely promising.

Inside Success Nigeria is always looking out for the youths through insightful articles and unique angles on hot-button topics. We also provide a number of platforms to encourage and empower youths. Subscribe today to get value from our webinars, affordable brand promotion, and exclusive access to job openings. Follow us on Instagram for more content.