Introduction to the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP)
The Federal Government has officially announced that the recruitment for Batch B beneficiaries of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) will begin nationwide on Monday, March 9, 2026. This information was shared in a statement released on Thursday by the Coordinator-General of the programme, Comrade Kennedy Iyere. The statement urged eligible Nigerians aged between 18 and 50 to take part in the initiative.
According to the official communication, the recruitment process will be carried out across the country, with the exception of Kano State. In Kano, the process will be managed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf through a newly formed Kano State YEIDEP Steering Committee. This committee has been authorized to oversee the recruitment of beneficiaries within the state.
Changes in the Recruitment Process
Unlike the previous Batch A recruitment phase, which relied on an online registration portal for data capture and bank account processing, Batch B applicants are now required to visit designated partner banks in person to open a YEIDEP bank account as part of the registration process.
Programme organizers emphasized that opening a YEIDEP bank account is the only valid way to become a recognized participant and potential beneficiary. They also clarified that the registration process is completely free of charge. Applicants were advised to report any attempts by bank officials or intermediaries to request payments during the process.
Eligibility and Registration Guidelines
The statement further clarified that individuals who successfully registered under Batch A and already have confirmed YEIDEP bank accounts are not eligible for the new recruitment phase. However, those who registered during Batch A but did not receive confirmed accounts are encouraged to participate in Batch B.
Participants were also warned against multiple registrations, noting that anyone found engaging in duplicate applications would be automatically disqualified from the programme.
Partner Banks for the Recruitment Exercise
The following banks have been authorized to handle the YEIDEP recruitment exercise:
- Fidelity Bank
- Keystone Bank
- Alpha Morgan Bank
- Wema Bank
- Union Bank
- Guaranty Trust Bank
- Zenith Bank
- Access Bank
- United Bank for Africa
- Ecobank
- Lotus Bank
Overview of the YEIDEP Initiative
The Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme is a national youth economic inclusion and engagement initiative coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. It is implemented in collaboration with the Youths Off The Street Initiative and supported by various development partners.
According to the organisers, the programme aims to address youth unemployment, poverty, and vulnerability to radicalisation by promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities among young Nigerians. YEIDEP seeks to empower up to 20 million youths with startup capital and support mechanisms designed to stimulate economic participation and reduce social and security risks associated with youth unemployment.
Key Objectives and Impact
Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the Coordinator-General, stated that the programme’s core mandate is to tackle Nigeria’s chronic issues of youth unemployment, youth poverty, and youth hopelessness. He highlighted the threats posed by youth radicalization, socio-political instability, national insecurity, and economic unproductivity, which he said could endanger the country’s human survival and political existence if left unaddressed.
He added: ‘YEIDEP aims to empower 20 million youths with startup capital as a way of promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among young people, which is the surest means of generating mass employment for youths, thus addressing the risks of youth frustration, radicalization and restiveness.’
Final Remarks
The programme organizers reiterated their strict stance against double or multiple registrations, emphasizing that such actions will lead to automatic disqualification. They also urged all eligible participants to follow the correct procedures and remain vigilant against fraudulent activities during the recruitment process.
