The Federal Government has released the official payment schedule for the 2025 Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), renewing optimism among young Nigerians building careers in agriculture and food-based enterprises.
Overseen by the Ministry of Youth Development, YEIDEP is one of the government’s flagship initiatives to empower youth economically, reduce unemployment, and support food security. The newly published timeline details critical phases of the programme—ranging from account verification to fund disbursement targeting thousands of beneficiaries across the country.
According to the Ministry, the application portal for YEIDEP 2025 officially closed on May 31. Late entries were not accepted, and the programme has since progressed into the post-application stages.
Verification Phase (June 1–8)
Applicants’ submitted bank details are currently undergoing verification by YEIDEP’s partner banks. This step ensures all beneficiaries are genuine, bankable individuals. Errors or incorrect details may result in automatic disqualification, prompting authorities to advise applicants to be cautious and double-check their information.
Engagement Phase (June 11–30)
Following verification, shortlisted youths will be contacted for engagement with the Ministry. This includes onboarding sessions such as business readiness checks, orientation, agreement signing, and familiarisation with the programme’s expectations. This engagement process is mandatory for participation in the next stage.
The long-awaited disbursement of funds ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000 will take place throughout July 2025 for those who successfully complete both the verification and engagement phases. These payments mark the formal rollout of YEIDEP support under Batch A.
YEIDEP 2025 is strictly designed to fund businesses within the agricultural value chain. Youth-led enterprises involved in the following areas will be prioritised:
- Food crop cultivation such as rice, maize, and cassava
- Livestock and fish farming
- Processing and packaging of food items
- Operation of small-scale food factories
- Trading or marketing of farm produce (both online and offline)
Applicants whose businesses do not align with agriculture or food production will not be considered.
The Ministry of Youth Development has reiterated that the programme is free of charge. No applicant is expected to pay anyone for placement, and only those who applied via the official portal and met the eligibility criteria will be funded. Additionally, the government warns that the grants are not for personal use. Any misuse of the funds could lead to immediate disqualification or recovery measures.
YEIDEP 2025 stands as a bold step toward supporting the next generation of farmers, food processors, and agri-entrepreneurs in Nigeria. As the countdown to disbursement begins, thousands of young business owners across the country are now looking forward to a financial boost that could shape the future of their enterprises and strengthen the country’s food economy.
