The Federal Government is set to begin training and capacity-building programmes for YEIDEP Batch A beneficiaries by February 2026, following months of registration, verification, and system preparation ahead of disbursement.
The disclosure was made as officials outlined the next implementation steps of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme, which is designed to prepare beneficiaries before any form of financial empowerment is released. The approach, according to programme officials, places emphasis on skills development, readiness, and proper structuring rather than immediate cash payouts.
Speaking on the sequencing of activities, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, explained that the groundwork laid so far was intentional and necessary. He said “the past year had been deliberately devoted to planning, stakeholder coordination, and beneficiary onboarding, noting that effective preparation was critical to successful execution.” According to him, the focus has been on ensuring that beneficiaries are properly captured, verified, and positioned to make effective use of support provided under the programme.
Olawande also noted that YEIDEP is structured to move gradually from preparation to impact, stating that “2026 implementation phase is expected to mark a transition from planning to impact delivery.” This transition, officials say, begins with training and empowerment activities before any financial support is accessed.
Further details on the February timeline were provided by the Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Youth and Sports Development, Sani Musa Denja. He said “the first phase of the empowerment is expected to be completed by February 2026, with training and empowerment programs set to commence.” The statement places February as the period when beneficiaries will begin structured engagement under the programme.
Denja added that implementation is being handled in stages to ensure effectiveness and accountability. According to him, “everything is coming in stages, and the focus is now on empowering the youths through the banks that have already captured them.” He explained that banks are playing a central role in preparing beneficiaries for empowerment and eventual disbursement.
Highlighting the scale of financial inclusion already achieved, Denja disclosed that “some banks have already captured 300,000, over a million, 1.5 million, and almost half a million youths.” The figures reflect extensive private sector participation and indicate readiness for large-scale implementation once training phases are completed.
Officials explained that the involvement of banks is meant to strengthen transparency, ensure proper documentation, and support a smooth transition from training to empowerment. Training activities scheduled for February are expected to equip beneficiaries with the knowledge and capacity required to participate meaningfully in economic activities linked to the programme.
They stressed that while empowerment processes begin in February, financial disbursement will only follow after beneficiaries have undergone the required training and preparation stages. The programme’s phased structure, they noted, is intended to promote sustainability, accountability, and long-term impact for young Nigerians enrolled under YEIDEP.
