Federal Government to Empower 20 Million Nigerian Youths with ₦500,000 Grants – YEIDEP 2026

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and economic inclusion, announcing plans for the large-scale implementation of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) in 2026.

The announcement came during YEIDEP’s end-of-year meeting in Lagos, which brought together key financial partners, government agencies, and service providers involved in the initiative.

Comrade Kennedy Iyere, YEIDEP Coordinator-General, stated that the programme, which began in late 2024, has completed its planning and system-development phase. It is now prepared for nationwide deployment, with the goal of delivering measurable socio-economic benefits for young Nigerians.

Implemented by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), YEIDEP focuses on youth empowerment and de-radicalisation. The programme addresses unemployment and social vulnerability through targeted interventions that promote skills development, entrepreneurship, and productive engagement.

During the meeting, Iyere highlighted the progress achieved in 2025, including expanded partnerships, improved funding coordination, and strengthened implementation structures. He noted that the event offered a platform to review achievements, address challenges, and align stakeholders on priorities for 2026.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi, praised the programme’s partners and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to youth-focused economic initiatives. He emphasized that collaboration with the private sector and development partners is essential for long-term impact.

Olawande revealed that YEIDEP will be implemented in phases, with an initial target of 20 million beneficiaries. Already, 12 million young Nigerians have been registered and onboarded with verified accounts, while the remaining eight million are expected to join by the first quarter of 2026. Preparations for a second phase will begin around mid-year.

The programme is designed to support youth participation across the agricultural value chain, encompassing farming, marketing, processing, and trading of agricultural products. This approach aims to strengthen food systems and create sustainable livelihoods. Each participant will receive a minimum grant of ₦500,000 to establish viable agri-based enterprises, emphasizing investment in youth productivity rather than welfare dependency.

“2026 marks the transition from planning to impact delivery,” Olawande stated, “with YEIDEP poised to contribute significantly to job creation, youth entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.”

Dr. Augusta Warrens, Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry and Chairperson of the YEIDEP Finance Committee, underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective financial management. She highlighted that the programme aims to reduce hunger, insecurity, and unemployment while creating a new generation of economically empowered Nigerian youths.

Hon. Sani Musa Denja, Special Adviser on Youth and Sports Development to the Kano State Governor, confirmed that several banks have already registered hundreds of thousands of youths for the programme. He stated that the first phase of empowerment will be completed by February 2026, with training and support programs set to begin immediately thereafter.

YEIDEP’s 2026 implementation is expected to expand youth engagement across sectors, providing financial support, skill development, and entrepreneurship opportunities to millions of young Nigerians. The programme positions itself as a strategic government initiative to drive economic inclusion, reduce youth vulnerability, and foster sustainable growth.