The assurance was given at YEIDEP’s end-of-year stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, which brought together financial partners, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and service providers supporting the programme.
YEIDEP Ready for Nationwide Implementation
Speaking at the event, the programme’s convener and Coordinator-General, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, revealed that YEIDEP, which began in late 2024, has successfully completed its planning and system development phase.
According to Iyere, the programme—implemented by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI)—is now positioned for large-scale rollout, with a strong focus on reducing youth unemployment, economic vulnerability, and social exclusion.
He highlighted major achievements recorded in 2025, including expanded partnerships, improved funding coordination, and strengthened implementation structures.
Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Development
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, commended stakeholders for their support and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to youth-focused economic and social interventions.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi, the minister stated that 2025 was deliberately dedicated to planning, stakeholder engagement, and beneficiary onboarding to ensure a smooth and impactful execution in 2026.
YEIDEP Targets 20 Million Beneficiaries Nationwide
Olawande disclosed that YEIDEP will be implemented in phases, starting with an initial target of 20 million Nigerian youths. He revealed that about 12 million youths have already been registered and onboarded, with verified bank account details.
The remaining eight million beneficiaries are expected to be onboarded by the first quarter of 2026, completing the programme’s first phase, while preparations for a second phase will commence by mid-year.
Focus on Agriculture and the Value Chain
The minister explained that YEIDEP is designed to promote youth participation across the entire agricultural value chain, including farming, processing, marketing, and trading of agricultural products.
This approach, he noted, will strengthen Nigeria’s food systems, enhance food security, and create sustainable livelihoods for millions of young Nigerians.
₦500,000 Grants for Each Beneficiary
In a major highlight, Olawande clarified that financial support under YEIDEP will be provided as grants, not loans, with a minimum of ₦500,000 allocated as start-up capital for each beneficiary.
He stressed that the funds are non-repayable and aimed at helping youths establish viable agri-based enterprises, describing YEIDEP as a strategic investment in youth productivity rather than a welfare programme.
Transparency and Accountability at the Core
Co-host of the event, Dr. Augusta Warrens (FCA), Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Chairperson of the YEIDEP Finance Committee, emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in implementing youth programmes.
She stated that YEIDEP aims to reduce hunger, insecurity, and unemployment among Nigerian youths and ultimately build a youth-driven conglomerate within the next 10 years.
Dr. Warrens also disclosed plans for a donor drive to further fund initiatives that will ensure Nigerian youths are gainfully employed and creating jobs.
Banks and States Key to Youth Empowerment
Also speaking, Hon. Sani Musa Denja, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Youth and Sport Development, said the programme is designed to steer youths away from drugs and social vices by promoting self-reliance.
He revealed that several banks have already captured millions of youths for empowerment, noting that the first phase of the programme is expected to be completed by February 2026, with training and empowerment activities set to commence.
YEIDEP Poised to Drive Jobs and Economic Growth
The event marked the official rollout of YEIDEP’s 2026 Implementation Action Plan, with expectations that more partners will join the initiative.
With strong government backing, private sector collaboration, and a clear roadmap, YEIDEP is expected to play a significant role in job creation, youth entrepreneurship, food security, and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
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