The Federal Government has stated that the recruitment for Batch B beneficiaries of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) will commence nationwide on Monday, March 9, 2026.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Coordinator-General of the programme, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, informing eligible Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 50 to participate in the exercise.

According to the statement, the recruitment will be conducted across the country except in Kano State, where the process will be overseen by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf through a newly established Kano State YEIDEP Steering Committee authorised to manage the recruitment of beneficiaries within the state.

Unlike the Batch A recruitment phase, which relied on an online registration portal for data capture and bank account processing, Batch B applicants are required to visit designated partner banks physically to open a YEIDEP bank account as part of the registration process.

The programme organisers stated that opening the YEIDEP bank account remains the only valid means of becoming a recognised participant and potential beneficiary, stressing that the registration process is free of charge. Applicants were advised to report any request for payment by bank officials or intermediaries.

The statement further clarified that individuals who successfully registered under Batch A and already possess confirmed YEIDEP bank accounts are not eligible for the new recruitment phase. However, those who registered during Batch A but did not receive confirmed accounts are encouraged to participate in Batch B.

Participants were also warned against multiple registrations, noting that anyone found engaging in duplicate applications would be automatically disqualified.

Authorised banks for the exercise include Fidelity Bank, Keystone Bank, Alpha Morgan Bank, Wema Bank, Union Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Ecobank and Lotus Bank.

The Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme is a national youth economic inclusion and engagement initiative coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Youths Off The Street Initiative and supported by development partners.

According to the organisers, the programme seeks to address youth unemployment, poverty and vulnerability to radicalisation by promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities among young Nigerians.

YEIDEP aims to empower up to 20 million youths with startup capital and support mechanisms designed to stimulate economic participation and reduce social and security risks associated with youth unemployment.

He said: “We warn against double or multiple registration, as anyone found guilty of such shall be disqualified automatically. (Guardian)