FG Opens Portal for 26,961 Nigerians Under Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase III

The Federal Government has launched the online registration portal for Phase III of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI). The programme will train 26,961 unemployed Nigerians in 70 high-demand skills across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with training expected to begin in August 2026.

Minister Details Practical Skills and Fair Selection Process

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi, said the initiative is designed to equip unemployed Nigerians with practical, market-driven skills that can lead to employment or self-reliance. He explained that the government would adopt a ward-to-ward selection process to ensure beneficiaries come from communities across the country, promoting fairness and wider participation. The minister noted that the programme aligns with the Federal Government's broader agenda to reduce unemployment by expanding access to vocational training and enterprise development.

Starter Packs for Graduates and Outstanding Stipend Issues

As part of the initiative, the government plans to resettle 3,405 outstanding graduate trainees with starter packs and work tools after they complete their training. The support package is intended to help beneficiaries establish businesses or begin careers in their chosen trades. Dingyadi acknowledged complaints from beneficiaries of earlier phases regarding unpaid stipends and delayed resettlement support. He attributed the setbacks to funding constraints and assured participants that the ministry is working with relevant authorities to secure the release of funds. “I wish to assure all affected beneficiaries that this Ministry is fully aware of the matter and is working with the relevant authorities to ensure the release of the necessary funds so that all outstanding obligations can be met without further delay,” he said.

New Portal Features NIN Verification and Disability Inclusion

Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, said the upgraded registration portal includes new security and verification features to improve transparency and efficiency. Applicants will be required to verify their identities using their National Identification Number (NIN). The system will automatically prevent multiple registrations and assign applicants to training centres closest to their locations. Agara added that persons living with disabilities will be identified during registration and matched with skills programmes suited to their needs.

Phase I and II Progress and Ineligibility for Previous Beneficiaries

Agara disclosed that 32,886 Nigerians were trained under Phase I in 2024, with 4,683 beneficiaries receiving start-up tools and business support. He added that 33,692 people completed training under Phase II but are still awaiting resettlement packages because the 2025 capital budget has yet to be released. The delay has also affected payment of outstanding stipends to 4,651 participants. Agara assured beneficiaries that all pending payments and support would be processed once funding becomes available. He clarified that beneficiaries of Phases I and II are not eligible to apply for Phase III, as the government intends to extend the opportunity to a new group of unemployed Nigerians.

For the naira and Nigerian businesses, the RHEI Phase III aims to reduce unemployment by equipping citizens with market-ready skills. If the government addresses funding delays and delivers starter packs as promised, the initiative could ease pressure on the labour market and support small business creation, though the impact will depend on timely budget releases and effective implementation.