The Nigerian Federal Government has officially teamed up with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) to create 12 million jobs for young Nigerians. The partnership was announced on March 6, 2025, marking a significant effort to tackle the issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, spoke about the importance of this initiative. He highlighted that providing economic empowerment to Nigerian youths would greatly reduce unemployment, poverty, and support national growth. According to the Minister, the government wants youths to become entrepreneurs who can create jobs for themselves and others.
Why the Name was Changed
The initiative, initially known as the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP), has been renamed Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP). Minister Olawande explained that the new name helps youths feel more connected and encourages active participation by giving them a clearer sense of ownership.
Goal of Creating 12 Million Jobs
FG plans to generate about 12 million new jobs, making it the largest youth-focused economic program in Nigeria’s history. Currently, more than two million youths have registered, highlighting the strong interest and readiness among young Nigerians to benefit from this initiative.
Key Areas for Job Creation
Program will target several important sectors that provide big opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship:
- Farming (Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme): Helping youths to establish profitable farming businesses, which will also improve Nigeria’s food security.
- Technology (Tech4Jobs): Training youths in technology-related skills to start tech-based businesses or secure employment.
- Arts and Creativity (Arts4Money): Encouraging youths to use their artistic and creative talents to earn money.
- Vocational Skills (Skills2Job): Providing practical skills training for youths, ensuring they have job-ready skills.
- Food Production (Food4All Initiative): Supporting efforts to increase local food production, improving both food security and creating stable job opportunities.
Support from Banks and Financial Institutions
Several prominent Nigerian banks such as Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and First Bank are actively supporting the YEIDEP by providing financial services, loans, and other necessary financial assistance. This support will enable youths to start, grow, and sustain their businesses.
Comrade Kennedy Iyere, a coordinator of YEIDEP, highlighted the program’s importance, calling it crucial for economic growth, national security, and social stability in Nigeria. He encouraged more local and global stakeholders to support the program, emphasizing its key role in economic recovery and social improvement.
How to Register
Interested youths can join YEIDEP by registering on its official website. The government is confident that the initiative will significantly reduce unemployment, improve national economic development, and create long-lasting positive changes for millions of Nigerian youths.