The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has announced the launch of the Second Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI 2) across Nigeria. The program aims to tackle unemployment by training and empowering over 40,000 Nigerians in various skill areas.
The Director-General of NDE, H.E Silas Ali Agara, represented by the Director of Inspectorate, Mrs. Steve-Ogundipe Olayinka, made the announcement during the 39th Lagos International Trade Fair held on November 11, 2025. She described the initiative as a major milestone in the agency’s employment drive, highlighting that it aligns with this year’s fair theme, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value.”
Agara stated that the RHEI 2 targets unemployed and unskilled individuals across 8,809 electoral wards in Nigeria. The program focuses on practical skill development in over 30 areas, including agriculture, ICT, and digital marketing. He added that the initiative is designed to empower youths, women, and vulnerable groups with resources and technical knowledge to boost productivity and promote community growth.
The NDE emphasized that this effort is part of its broader mission to link talent with opportunity and promote innovation that drives sustainable development. The Director-General reaffirmed that the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative represents a key strategy under the Federal Government’s employment policy framework to reduce poverty and support self-reliance.
However, several participants took to Facebook to express concerns about unpaid training and transportation allowances. Comments from users like Juliet Ijele and John Audu requested immediate payment, while others, including David John and Dindi Dindi, criticized the delay and called for better management of the program.
In response, the NDE clarified in its official Facebook reply that payment for allowances is in progress and beneficiaries will receive their entitlements soon.
