The Federal Government, through the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has disclosed that beneficiaries of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) will now receive a minimum of ₦500,000 each as start-up capital in grants in 2026.
The announcement clarifies earlier reports that the programme’s financial support would range from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000. With this latest update, each beneficiary will now receive ₦500,000 and above, marking a major shift in the funding plan for the youth-focused empowerment initiative.
Speaking during YEIDEP’s end-of-year stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, Ayodele Olawande explained that the funds will be disbursed as grants and not loans. He emphasised that the support is not subject to repayment and is intended to help young Nigerians start and grow productive ventures that can sustain them and contribute to national development.
Olawande said the decision to issue grants instead of loans aligns with the government’s commitment to invest directly in youth productivity rather than provide temporary relief or welfare handouts. He noted that the initiative is designed to help participants build viable businesses, particularly within the agricultural value chain, which remains a key driver of employment and food security in Nigeria.
“The financial support to beneficiaries will be provided as grants rather than loans, with a minimum of ₦500,000 earmarked as start-up capital for each participant,” the minister stated. “These funds are intended to help young Nigerians establish viable agri-based enterprises and are not subject to repayment.”
The minister explained that the programme has been carefully planned to ensure transparency and accountability in its implementation. According to him, 2026 will mark the transition from planning to full execution, with the government focused on measurable results and lasting impact.
He said YEIDEP would operate in phases to effectively manage the scale of disbursements and track performance among beneficiaries. The initial phase targets 20 million young Nigerians, with about 12 million already onboarded through verified account details. The remaining beneficiaries are expected to be added in early 2026, paving the way for the commencement of funding and empowerment activities.
Olawande described the programme as one of the government’s most ambitious youth intervention efforts, aimed at addressing unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and reducing social vulnerability. He added that the ₦500,000 minimum grant per beneficiary reflects the government’s determination to make the initiative impactful enough to support real business growth.
The minister also reaffirmed that YEIDEP’s approach is a long-term investment in human capital and national stability. By supporting youth-led enterprises, he said, the government hopes to empower young people to become independent, productive citizens capable of driving economic inclusion and reducing reliance on handouts.
