FG and Fidelity Bank unveil YEIDEP grant programme for Nigerians
Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) – Federal Government Empowerment Initiative
Applications are currently open for the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP), a strategic empowerment initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria implemented in partnership with Fidelity Bank Nigeria. The programme is designed to address youth unemployment, reduce poverty, and promote social stability by equipping young Nigerians with financial support, skills development, and structured enterprise opportunities.
About the Programme
YEIDEP is a national intervention programme aimed at empowering young Nigerians to become self-reliant through entrepreneurship and productive economic engagement. The initiative focuses on key growth sectors such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy, where participants can build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The programme also integrates a de-radicalization component by creating positive economic alternatives for vulnerable youth, thereby reducing exposure to social unrest and insecurity. By promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, YEIDEP seeks to build a generation of job creators rather than job seekers.
Programme Vision and Impact
Youth unemployment remains one of the most critical socio-economic challenges in Nigeria, affecting both economic productivity and national security. YEIDEP responds to this challenge with a bold vision of creating over 20 million jobs through structured enterprise development and youth participation in productive sectors.
Unlike short-term intervention schemes, YEIDEP emphasizes long-term sustainability by supporting beneficiaries from the idea stage through business formation, execution, and growth. This ensures that participants are not only funded but also guided toward building viable and scalable enterprises.
Key Objectives
The programme is structured to:
- Promote youth entrepreneurship and self-employment
- Strengthen agricultural and industrial productivity
- Support innovation in technology and renewable energy
- Reduce unemployment and economic dependency
- Enhance financial inclusion among young Nigerians
- Contribute to national stability and economic growth
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the programme, applicants must:
- Be Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 50 years
- Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- Demonstrate a clear interest in business or entrepreneurship
- Show preference or engagement in sectors such as agriculture, technology, or related industries
- Be willing to open a YEIDEP account with Fidelity Bank Nigeria using a registered phone number linked to their application
The programme is open to both aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals already running small-scale businesses who need financial and technical support to expand.
Benefits of the Programme
Successful applicants will benefit from a wide range of support services, including:
- Financial support of up to ₦500,000 for business establishment or expansion
- Access to enterprise development training and capacity-building programmes
Participation in specialized initiatives such as:
- Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme
- Tech4Jobs Programme
- Waste2Wealth Project
- Structured mentorship and advisory support for business growth
- Opportunities for long-term sustainability and job creation
Beyond financial assistance, YEIDEP provides participants with practical tools, guidance, and institutional support systems that improve productivity and enhance business survival rates.
Programme Structure and Support System
YEIDEP is designed as a comprehensive empowerment framework that goes beyond funding. Participants are guided through business registration, planning, execution, and scaling processes. The programme also connects beneficiaries to financial institutions, markets, and technical experts to ensure long-term success.
In addition, beneficiaries are encouraged to form cooperatives and business clusters, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing sectors, to improve access to resources and strengthen collective productivity.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are required to first confirm eligibility and then proceed to open a YEIDEP account with Fidelity Bank Nigeria.
- Registration can be completed either online or by visiting any branch nationwide.
- Applicants must ensure that all personal details, including phone numbers linked to their NIN, are accurate and consistent to avoid disqualification during verification.
- Apply For Online Application Form HERE
Final Note
YEIDEP represents a significant opportunity for young Nigerians seeking financial empowerment and business development support. By combining funding, training, and structured enterprise pathways, the programme aims to create a generation of empowered entrepreneurs capable of driving economic transformation across Nigeria.
