The Federal Government has confirmed that training and capacity-building activities for YEIDEP Batch A beneficiaries will begin by February 2026, marking a key shift from planning to real engagement for young Nigerians enrolled in the programme.
For many beneficiaries who have waited through months of registration, verification, and onboarding, this update brings clarity. It also explains why the process has taken time — and what to realistically expect next.
Contents
Why YEIDEP Is Taking a Gradual Approach
YEIDEP, short for the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme, was designed not as a quick cash scheme but as a structured empowerment initiative. From the start, officials made it clear that preparation would come before any financial support.
According to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, the past year was deliberately used to lay the right foundation. This included aligning stakeholders, working with financial institutions, verifying beneficiaries, and building systems that can handle the scale of the programme.
In simple terms, the government chose to slow down early so the programme would not collapse later. For a youth-focused intervention of this size, poor planning would have meant wasted funds and frustrated beneficiaries.
What Will Happen in February 2026
February 2026 is expected to mark the practical start of YEIDEP’s implementation phase. Training and empowerment activities will begin first, before any form of financial disbursement.
These training sessions are meant to prepare beneficiaries to use support effectively — whether through skills development, business readiness, or financial literacy. Officials insist that this stage is essential, especially for young people who may be accessing structured economic support for the first time.
The idea is simple: empowerment without preparation often fails. YEIDEP is trying to avoid that mistake.
The Role of Banks in the Programme
One important detail many people overlook is the central role banks are playing in YEIDEP. According to Sani Musa Denja, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Youth and Sports Development, banks have already captured millions of youths across different institutions.
This involvement goes beyond account opening. Banks are helping with documentation, identity verification, and readiness checks that will later make disbursement smoother and more transparent.
By placing banks at the centre of the process, the programme reduces the risk of ghost beneficiaries and improves accountability — two issues that have weakened past interventions.
Why Disbursement Will Not Come Immediately
A key point officials continue to emphasize is that financial support will not be released until beneficiaries complete the required training and preparation stages.
This has frustrated some applicants, but it reflects a broader policy shift. Rather than handing out funds first and fixing problems later, YEIDEP is structured to move from readiness to impact in stages.
Officials believe this approach increases the chances that beneficiaries will actually benefit in the long term, instead of struggling or dropping out after initial support.
Related Posts:
FG to Begin Nationwide YEIDEP Rollout in 2026 for Youth Empowerment
How to Apply for the FG–Oxford TVET Solar Training Programme
What People Are Really Asking (Quick Answers)
Is YEIDEP cancelled?
No. The programme is active and moving into its training phase.
When does YEIDEP Batch A training start?
Training and empowerment activities are expected to begin by February 2026.
Will money be paid in February?
No. Training comes first. Financial disbursement will only follow after beneficiaries complete required stages.
Why is it taking so long?
Because of large-scale verification, bank involvement, and efforts to avoid mismanagement.
An Expert Perspective on the Timeline
From a policy and development standpoint, YEIDEP’s phased structure aligns with best practices in youth empowerment programmes. Interventions that prioritize skills, structure, and accountability before funding tend to deliver stronger outcomes than those built around quick payouts.
While the waiting period has tested patience, the emphasis on preparation suggests the government is aiming for durability rather than headlines.
One Practical Takeaway for Beneficiaries
If you are a YEIDEP Batch A beneficiary, this is the time to stay alert and prepared. Ensure your bank details, contact information, and documentation are accurate. When training begins, participation will not be optional — it will be the gateway to any future support.