As of May 1, 2025, a total of 4,638,431 Nigerian youths have registered for the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP)—a strategic national initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment and promoting peace through economic empowerment.
The Ministry overseeing the programme announced the figures in a statement on Monday, noting that the registration portal remains open until May 31, 2025.
“We are encouraged by the overwhelming response from Nigerian youths across the country. The numbers so far reflect growing trust in the government’s empowerment agenda,” the statement read.
Supporting Youths, Reducing Crime
YEIDEP was launched to provide young Nigerians—particularly in underserved and high-risk communities—with vocational training, business support, mentorship, and access to funding. The programme targets individuals aged 18 to 35 and is free of charge.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to address youth restiveness, reduce crime, and boost local entrepreneurship through sustainable means.
“With the ongoing rise in youth unemployment and economic challenges, YEIDEP offers a lifeline that aligns empowerment with peacebuilding and national development,” the Ministry added.
Programme Benefits
According to the Ministry, applicants stand to benefit in the following ways:
- Skill acquisition in key vocational and entrepreneurial sectors
- Participation in a structured mentorship programme
- Government support for small business development
- Access to financial assistance or startup funding
YEIDEP 2025 Activity Schedule
The Ministry also released a timeline for post-registration activities:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | May 31, 2025 |
| Collation of Beneficiary Accounts | June 1 – June 8, 2025 |
| Engagement with Ministry Officials | June 11 – June 30, 2025 |
| Funds Disbursement (Batch A) | July 1 – July 31, 2025 |
Following registration, selected candidates will be contacted to provide their account details, attend engagement sessions, and prepare for disbursement activities.
Final Call to Action
The Ministry is urging qualified individuals who have not yet registered to do so before the May 31 deadline. Officials reiterated that late applications will not be accepted after the portal closes.
With over 4.6 million applicants already enrolled, YEIDEP is being positioned as one of the largest youth-focused economic empowerment programmes in Nigeria’s history.
Interested applicants can visit the official YEIDEP registration portal to apply and join the thousands of young Nigerians taking their future into their own hands.
