Just 24 hours following the launch of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) portal for the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI), an impressive 35,819 unemployed Nigerians aged 18 to 45 have already submitted applications for the 27,000 training and employment opportunities available.
The huge reaction highlights the extent of youth unemployment and the strong desire of Nigerians to gain skills that will provide them with stable sources of income.
The head of NDE, Mr. Silas Agara, officially introduced the digital platform for the second phase of the initiative on Monday, 11 July. He noted that the quick registration is a clear indication that the program is both timely and applicable to the current challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly the younger generation.
"Driven by a commitment to address youth unemployment and provide Nigerians with practical, relevant skills, we officially launched the registration portal for Phase Two of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative," Mr. Agara said.
He highlighted that this second phase has seen major enhancements and is completely digital. "After the first phase of RHEI, we returned to work on the second phase. Our directors worked non-stop to make sure this second phase is highly solid and effective. This time, our program will be entirely digital," he stated.
To guarantee smooth functioning throughout the nation, the NDE has implemented significant infrastructure improvements. As stated by Agara, strong software and hardware, along with internet services, have been set up in all 37 states of the Federation, including the FCT.
"Currently, we have thoroughly supplied software and hardware, along with internet infrastructure to all 37 states of the federation, including the FCT, enabling them to connect to the NDE Headquarters for the execution of this second phase and assist us in attaining a 100% digital success. These resources are also accessible in all our six regional offices," he explained.
Mr. Agara emphasized that online registration is required, and only those who sign up during the two-week period will be taken into account. He also underlined the significance of openness, stating, “No one will be permitted to input any name into the system. Therefore, only those who applied within the specified timeframe will be handled and considered.”
A key condition for qualification is the use of the National Identification Number (NIN), which has become compulsory for all NDE initiatives. Mr. Agara also explained that an individual's current state of residence, rather than their state of birth, is what determines their eligibility.
"Among the key guidelines for RHEI, which is extremely important, is that all participants must register using their NIN. This is a compulsory requirement for all our programs and activities now. In this particular program, the state of residence of the beneficiaries is what counts, not the state of origin. You are eligible to apply if you are a Nigerian citizen and reside in any of the states within the Federation. The age range for this round is between 18 and 45 years," he stated.
Individuals chosen for this stage will receive instruction in more than 30 trade and technology-based skills that align with the economic requirements of their specific states.
"Beneficiaries will participate in more than 30 distinct skills. The skill requirements differ from state to state. What applies in Abia might not apply in Adamawa. We designed it so that state-specific skills—those that are highly profitable in particular states—are taken into account," he mentioned.
Online registration began on Monday, July 28, 2025, and will end on Monday, August 11. The processing of applications is scheduled from August 12 to August 22.
Mr. Agara also delivered a strong warning to fraudsters trying to take advantage of the program. He urged both the media and the public to assist in uncovering con artists and to ensure that applicants only use official NDE channels.
"I urge the press members to assist us in informing the public. As we had observed and noticed scammers already operating before we launched this website, some are trying to trick the public by requesting financial rewards and various requirements that are not what we, at NDE, ask from participants," he warned.
"We urge the general public to remain vigilant. No employees of NDE will request any form of reward from members of the public. We have not authorized anyone in any capacity to represent NDE. Only NDE Headquarters and state offices are responsible for overseeing this program. If any member of the public is uncertain about any information, they should reach out to our Headquarters, zonal, or state offices for clarification. We have employment centers in all 37 states of the Federation, including the FCT," Mr. Agara added.
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