Manny Ita –
The commencement of Batch B recruitment for the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) has once again brought the issue of youth empowerment to the centre of Nigeria’s national discourse. Over the years, successive governments have introduced various programmes aimed at providing economic opportunities for young Nigerians. YEIDEP represents the latest effort in this long line of initiatives, and while its objectives may appear commendable, its structure and underlying assumptions raise several important questions about the country’s broader strategy for youth development.
At first glance, the programme is presented as a financial intervention designed to support young Nigerians with startup capital and business opportunities. However, the inclusion of “de-radicalisation” in the programme’s title introduces a troubling narrative. By framing economic assistance within a security context, the initiative risks conveying the impression that Nigerian youths are primarily viewed as potential threats rather than as productive assets to be nurtured for national development. While it is widely acknowledged that unemployment and poverty can contribute to instability, addressing youth empowerment primarily through a security lens may undermine the broader objective of building a generation of globally competitive entrepreneurs.
There are also operational concerns surrounding the implementation process. The requirement for prospective beneficiaries to physically visit commercial banks to open accounts has drawn criticism in a period when digital financial services are increasingly becoming the norm. Nigeria’s growing digital economy has demonstrated that financial inclusion can be achieved through technology-driven solutions that reduce logistical barriers. For many young people, particularly those in rural communities, the cost and inconvenience of travelling long distances to bank branches may discourage participation in the programme.
Beyond these logistical considerations lies a more pressing economic reality. Nigeria’s current inflationary environment has significantly reduced the purchasing power of small startup grants. With fuel prices exceeding ₦1,000 per litre and the cost of basic goods and services rising steadily, the value of such financial support may no longer be sufficient to establish viable small businesses. Without complementary policies aimed at stabilising the broader economic environment, the impact of these interventions may remain limited.
Another issue that continues to generate concern is the reported delay in disbursements to beneficiaries from the earlier phase of the programme. Several participants who reportedly completed the first batch cycle are said to be awaiting payments. Such delays inevitably create doubts about the programme’s credibility and could weaken public confidence in subsequent phases.
Equally important is the need for transparency and consistency in implementation across the country. Reports of separate management structures in some states, including the use of state-level committees, have raised questions about whether the programme will maintain uniform standards nationwide. In the absence of clear oversight mechanisms, there is always the risk that political considerations could overshadow merit in the selection process.
Ultimately, the success of any youth empowerment initiative cannot be measured solely by the number of beneficiaries enrolled or the volume of funds distributed. Genuine empowerment depends on the existence of an enabling environment that allows small enterprises to grow and thrive. Reliable electricity, improved security, access to markets, and a stable policy framework remain critical elements of such an environment.
As the Batch B process unfolds, the government has an opportunity to address these concerns and demonstrate that the programme is more than another temporary intervention. For many young Nigerians, the expectation is not merely access to grants but the creation of sustainable economic pathways. The real test of YEIDEP, therefore, will not be the number of bank accounts opened, but whether the initiative ultimately helps to build businesses capable of surviving and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
