The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced March 9, 2026, application for Batch B of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) will open on Monday, March 9, 2026. YEIDEP is an initiative designed to empower millions of young Nigerians through entrepreneurship and economic support.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Coordinator-General of YEIDEP, Kennedy Iyere, the programme aims to provide opportunities for as many as 20 million youths across the country.
Eligibility Criteria
The statement noted that Nigerians aged between 18 and 50 years are eligible to participate in the registration process. The exercise will be conducted nationwide, with the exception of Kano State, where the process will be overseen directly by Governor Abba Yusuf through a newly inaugurated Kano State YEIDEP Steering Committee.
Batch B Registration Process
Iyere explained that the Batch B registration process will differ from Batch A. While the earlier phase relied primarily on an online portal for data capture and bank verification, the new batch requires applicants to visit designated partner banks in person.
During the visit, applicants will be required to open a YEIDEP bank account, which forms a key part of the registration process.
He emphasized that opening a YEIDEP bank account is the only way individuals can become participants and potential beneficiaries of the programme. He also clarified that the entire process is completely free of charge.
Warning Against Fraud and Multiple Registrations
Applicants have been advised to report any bank staff or intermediaries who attempt to charge fees for the registration process. Iyere also warned that multiple registrations are strictly prohibited, stressing that anyone found engaging in duplicate applications would be disqualified.
The statement further clarified that individuals who successfully registered during Batch A and already have confirmed YEIDEP bank accounts are not eligible to apply again in Batch B. However, those who registered during Batch A but did not receive a confirmed account are encouraged to submit a new application.
Iyere reiterated the warning against duplicate submissions, stating:
“We also strictly want to warn against double or multiple registration, as anyone found guilty of such shall be disqualified automatically.
“YEIDEP’s core mandate is to tackle Nigeria’s chronic youth unemployment, youth poverty and youth hopelessness, and also their imposed threats of youth radicalisation, socio-political instability, national insecurity and economic unproductivity, as presently being experienced in the country, which if not addressed, will continue to endanger our human survival and political existence.
“YEIDEP aims to empower 20 million youths with start-up 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, radicalisation and restiveness.”
Partner Banks for YEIDEP Registration
The Federal Government has approved several financial institutions to support the registration exercise. The authorised banks include:
- 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
These banks will facilitate account opening and registration verification for prospective YEIDEP participants across the country