In Nigeria’s vibrant economy in which more than 70 percent of the population are younger than 35, and youth unemployment rates are at 53 percent, grants for youth empowerment are vital to fostering creativity as well as job creation and self-reliance.
In the month of October 2025, Federal Government of Nigeria, through various ministries like that of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and other agencies such as SMEDAN along the Bank of Industry (BOI) has stepped up the support to youth entrepreneurs.
A staggering amount of money has been earmarked for federal grant programs for youth empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to generate 2.5 million jobs and increase economic participation.
These grants provide non-repayable money as well as low-interest loans and mentoring to young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35.
Programmes like those offered by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) and the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) are targeted at key sectors such as technology, agriculture creative industries, as well as renewable energy.
With more than N1 trillion allocated in 2025 to address the Nigeria’s N5 trillion SME funding gap, these programs have empowered more than a million youngsters across the country.
What Are Youth Empowerment Grants in Nigeria?
Grants for Youth Empowerment are financial awards that are designed to assist young Nigerians get the money along with the tools, training, and education required to create viable business. Unlike loans, these grants do not require repayment, and are focused on tackling poverty and unemployment through the development of new skills and innovation.
They are in line with the Nigerian National Youth Policy, which encourages growth that is inclusive for women as well as rural youth and groups that are marginalized. In 2025 programs such as those offered by the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) have begun providing between N50,000 to N50 million to entrepreneurs and ventures run by youth. Many of these programs provide free digital literacy training as well as entrepreneurship and vocational skills.
Sectors of priority include agriculture to ensure food security and fintech for digital inclusion, as well as the creative industries that drive Nigeria’s arts as well as culture exports. These grants typically involve partnerships with international organizations like those of the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNDP to guarantee accountability and long-term impact.
The Benefits of Youth Empowerment Grants on Nigeria’s Economy
The grants for youth empowerment go far beyond providing financial aid. They provide opportunities to transform individuals and the country. Young Nigerians constitute around 60 percent of the economy that is informal and these grants can help decrease the N1.5 trillion gap in funding faced by small business owners.
Key benefits include:
- Finance Access: Up to 50 million in grants remove collateral barriers for small business owners.
- Skills Development: More than one million youngsters have acquired technical and digital abilities through programs such as 3MTT.
- Social Inclusion: Programs like YEIDEP increase economic inclusion and decrease extremeism among youth in rural areas.
- Sectoral growth: Programs to empower farmers have increased the production of food in a variety of regions by up to 30 percent.
Every empowered youth can contribute to local job creation and economic growth, transforming young Nigerians into nation-wide asset.
Eligibility Criteria for Youth Empowerment Grants
To be eligible for grants to empower youth in Nigeria applicants must meet the following criteria:
General Eligibility:
- It is required to be an Nigerian citizen between the ages of 18 and 35 (some programs go up to 40 years for students).
- The business must be registered with CAC (minimum of six month old) or possess a viable idea for a startup.
- Have to prove financial need and show proof of limited access to funds.
- Companies should be aligned with the most important industries such as technology, agriculture green energy, creative industries.
Targeted Groups:
- Businesses run by women with more than 51% of the ownership.
- People who have Disabilities (PWDs).
- Students and rural entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas.
Documents Required:
- NIN/BVN
- Valid ID (National ID, Passport, or Driver’s License)
- Business Plan(10-20 pages)
- CAC Certificate and Tax Clearance (if required)
Applications that are incomplete or incorrectly completed will be rejected immediately, so applicants should prepare meticulously.
Top Youth Empowerment Grants and Federal Programs in Nigeria (2025)
| Program Name | Funding Range | Eligibility | Application Link |
| Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) | ₦500,000 – ₦10 million | Youth-led organizations and individuals (18–35) | leapafrica.smapply.io |
| Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) | ₦250,000 – ₦1 million | Unemployed Nigerians aged 18–35 | leep.gov.ng |
| SMEDAN Student Entrepreneurs Grant | Up to ₦2 million | Students in North-West with viable startups | smedan.gov.ng |
| Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) | ₦1 million – ₦50 million | Youth entrepreneurs promoting social inclusion | yeidep.org |
| STEMM Up Student Venture Fund | Up to ₦50 million | STEMM undergraduates (300 level and above) | education.gov.ng |
| Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS) | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 | CAC-registered youth nano-businesses | nsip.gov.ng |
| Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) | Up to ₦5 million | Youth in creative and media industries | cedf.gov.ng |
| Agri-Business Development Programme (ADP) | Up to ₦20 million | Rural youth farmers and agrotech startups | fmard.gov.ng |
How to Apply for Youth Empowerment Grants in Nigeria
- Search for the available programs: Visit official government websites: Check out the table above, and choose the program that best suits your financial requirements.
- Check for eligibility: Review requirements and ensure that your idea or business matches with the goals of the program.
- Create documents: Prepare a comprehensive business plan and financial statements as well as supporting documents.
- Submit your application online: Use only official government websites or partner sites that are verified by the government.
- Await Screening A majority of applications take 4-8 weeks to be evaluated.
- Post-Award Requirements Successful applicants sign contracts and provide quarterly reports on the fund’s usage.
Apply for a minimum of three or five programs to enhance your chances of selection.
Success Stories
Aisha Bello (Kaduna):
YEIDEP awarded Aisha N2 million to help her expand her chicken business. The company now employs 15 workers and sells products to three states in the northern region.
Chinedu Okoro (Lagos):
Chinedu benefited from NYFF funds to expand his fintech platform that currently serves more than 50,000 people across the nation.
These stories demonstrate how grants to empower youth in Nigeria convert ambition into business.
Tips to Improve Your Application
- Make your business plan match the objectives of each program.
- Be sure to highlight tangible outcomes, like employment creation or a positive impact on the community.
- Get free training in skills like 3MTT to increase your visibility.
- Beware of scams, as government programs don’t require fees.
- Follow official government accounts and reliable portals for information.
Conclusion
The grants for youth empowerment in Nigeria are crucial to unlocking the nation’s potential in terms of economic growth. With programs such as NYFF, SMEDAN, and YEIDEP offering affordable funding, young Nigerians now have more opportunities to create viable businesses and careers.
If you’re between 18 and 35 and have an idea for your business or startup, it is now the right moment to benefit from this federal program. Stay informed through FederalGrantsInfo.com, your trusted guide to government funding and opportunities in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for youth empowerment grants in Nigeria?
Nigerian citizens aged 18–35 with viable business ideas or registered ventures.
2. Do I need to repay federal youth grants?
No, they are non-repayable, but proper fund use must be documented.
3. Are these grants available nationwide?
Yes, most programs are open to all 36 states and the FCT.
4. How long does approval take?
Typically between 4–12 weeks depending on the program.
5. Can students apply?
Yes, there are student-focused programs like SMEDAN’s and STEMM Up.
6. What sectors are prioritized?
Agriculture, tech, creative industries, and renewable energy.
7. How much funding can I receive?
Between ₦50,000 and ₦50 million depending on the program.
8. Are youth empowerment grants taxable?
No, but beneficiaries must report income if requested.
9. How can I avoid fake programs?
Apply only through official .gov.ng websites or verified portals.
10. Where can I find updates on new grants?
Follow FederalGrantsInfo.com and official agency websites for verified announcements.