The Federal Government has joined hands with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) to create 12 million jobs for Nigerian youths. This new partnership is a significant step to help solve youth unemployment in the country.
The partnership was officially announced through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) shared with the media on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The MoU was signed on February 5, 2025, between the Federal Government and a group of Nigerian civil society and global development partners.
Why the Name Change?
The programme was initially known as the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP). However, the government renamed it to the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP). The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, explained that this change was made to help Nigerian youths feel more connected to and responsible for the programme. It is meant to give them a clear sense of ownership.
Main Goals of YEIDEP
YEIDEP aims to create new economic opportunities and reduce unemployment among Nigerian youths. It will help young Nigerians become entrepreneurs and job creators, making them active participants in national growth. The programme is expected to reduce poverty, improve security, and support social stability by addressing youth unemployment directly.
The government announced that over two million Nigerian youths have already registered for the programme. YEIDEP hopes to empower 20 million youth farmers, food producers, and entrepreneurs in related fields over the next two years.
Areas Covered by YEIDEP
YEIDEP will focus on several key areas, including:
- Agriculture (Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme): Encouraging youths to start farming businesses, improving food security, and creating stable incomes.
- Technology (Tech4Jobs): Helping youths become skilled in technology-related fields and tech-based businesses.
- Creative Arts (Arts4Money): Supporting young people in making money from their artistic and creative skills.
- Vocational Skills (Skills2Job): Providing vocational training to match market demands, making youths job-ready.
- Food Security (Food4All Initiative): Enhancing food production to fight hunger and poverty.
Support from Global and Local Partners
Over two million youths have already registered for YEIDEP, highlighting strong initial interest. Comrade Kennedy Iyere, a key coordinator, described the programme as essential for Nigeria’s economic growth, security, and social peace. He stated clearly, “For Nigeria’s economic health, security, and stability, YEIDEP is critical.”
Youths interested in joining the YEIDEP programme can register online through its official website. Banks and financial institutions, alongside various government and private organizations, including Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and First Bank, have expressed their support by providing necessary financial services to YEIDEP participants.
Impact on Nigeria
By empowering youths economically, YEIDEP is expected to create millions of jobs, reduce youth unemployment, and positively impact the economy. The Federal Government believes this initiative will significantly improve the lives of young Nigerians and help build a safer and more prosperous nation.