The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has officially launched Phase 2 of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI). This initiative is part of a national plan to tackle unemployment, promote self-reliance, and provide sustainable job opportunities for Nigerian citizens.
If you’re currently unemployed, underemployed, a school leaver, or a skilled youth in need of further training and support, this is your chance to access free skills acquisition, job placement, and startup funding—all coordinated under the NDE platform.
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What Does the Program Offer?
Successful applicants will have access to the following benefits:
- Free vocational and digital skills training in various fields
- Monthly stipends for the duration of the training program
- Start-up toolkits and materials (e.g., sewing machines, laptops, barbing kits, farming tools)
- Access to soft loans or grants for starting small-scale businesses after training
- Official certification from the National Directorate of Employment
- Ongoing mentorship and monitoring for selected participants
Available Training Areas
Participants can choose from several skill categories under four main schemes offered by the NDE:
- Vocational Skills Development (VSD) – Tailoring, barbing, welding, carpentry, electrical installation, etc.
- Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) – Business development, cooperative management, microenterprise startup support.
- Rural Employment Promotion (REP) – Poultry farming, fish farming, crop production, agro-processing, etc.
- Special Public Works (SPW) – Labour-based work schemes, environmental maintenance, and general services.
In some states, applicants may also register for modern and in-demand digital skills such as:
- Solar energy installation and maintenance
- Basic ICT skills and digital literacy
- Cloud computing
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) fundamentals
- E-commerce and digital marketing
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the NDE Phase 2 program, you must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen
- Be between 18 and 45 years old
- Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- Be willing to participate fully in the training program
- Be resident in Nigeria and have a valid phone number and email address
Note: You can now register using your state of residence, not just your state of origin. This is to make the program more inclusive and location-friendly.
How to Apply
The registration process is simple, entirely online, and free of charge. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official NDE registration portal: https://nderegistrationportal.ng
- Click on the “Apply Now” button
- Enter your NIN to verify your identity
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal, contact, and location details
- Choose your preferred scheme and training category
- Review your application and submit
- Download or screenshot your acknowledgement slip
Ensure all details provided are correct and consistent with your NIN record. Any discrepancies may delay or invalidate your application.
Important Dates to Note
- Registration opened: July 28, 2025
- Registration closes: August 11, 2025
- Application processing: August 12 – August 22, 2025
There will be no extension of the deadline, so applicants are strongly advised to apply as early as possible.
