Over 35,000 Apply For NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative in 24 Hours
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has launched Phase 2 of its flagship Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI). The digital registration portal officially opened on Monday, July 28, 2025, drawing massive public interest.
Within the first 24 hours, more than 35,000 Nigerians had submitted applications for just 21,782 available slots.
This initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at empowering Nigerians with practical skills, self-reliance tools, and access to sustainable income.
A Fully Digital Process for National Reach
Unlike the first phase, Phase 2 of the RHEI is entirely digital, with registration and processing conducted online through the official NDE portal. The new system links all 36 states and the FCT through an upgraded IT infrastructure, enabling streamlined verification, documentation, and participant tracking.
The NDE Director-General, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, stated that this digital shift will “remove human bottlenecks, ensure greater transparency, and allow for real-time monitoring.”
Eligible applicants, Nigerians aged 18 to 45, must possess a valid National Identity Number (NIN) and a recent passport photograph. Importantly, individuals who benefited from Phase 1 are not eligible to reapply in Phase 2.
Registration Timeline and Key Details
- Application window: July 28 to August 11, 2025
- Verification & selection period: August 12 to August 22, 2025
- Target number of beneficiaries: 21,782 unemployed Nigerians
- Portal: www.nderegistrationportal.ng or www.nde.gov.ng
Applicants are advised to register only through the official NDE channels and avoid third-party agents or scammers demanding money. Registration is free of charge, and applicants are warned that any request for payment is fraudulent.
Skill Areas and Economic Empowerment
The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative provides training in over 30 practical skills tailored to local economies and market demand. These include:
- Solar panel installation
- Tailoring and fashion design
- Agricultural processing
- Welding and fabrication
- Digital skills (ICT, data entry, basic coding)
- Soap making, catering, and more
Beyond training, selected participants will receive starter kits or tools to enable them to start small businesses or join cooperative ventures in their communities. The initiative also provides mentorship and linkage to microcredit opportunities for sustainability.
Massive Response, Limited Slots
By the evening of July 29, reports indicated over 35,819 applications had flooded the portal, far outpacing the available training slots. This underscores the high level of unemployment and the growing hunger among Nigerians for government-backed empowerment programs.
In response to public demand, NDE representatives clarified that while the slots are limited, the process is merit-based and beneficiaries will be selected based on completeness of application, correct documentation, and geographical spread to ensure fair representation across the federation.
Public Advisory
The NDE has issued a strong advisory against fraudsters posing as officials. There have been reports of fake websites, unsolicited WhatsApp messages, and fraudulent registration forms circulating on social media.
According to the agency:
“We have received reports of people paying N2,000 to agents who claim they can fast-track registration. This is false. All applicants should go directly to the NDE website and register by themselves. No fee is required.”
Applicants are encouraged to double-check their NIN details, ensure their bank information is correct (for future stipends or grants), and complete all sections of the registration form.
A Step Toward Economic Renewal
As Nigeria continues to grapple with high youth unemployment and a fragile economy, initiatives like the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative offer a practical, skill-driven solution. By equipping young people and the underserved with employable skills, the government hopes to not only reduce dependency but also foster local innovation, self-employment, and micro-enterprise development.
Phase 2 of the RHEI is more than just a training program, it’s a doorway to dignity, economic independence, and a renewed sense of hope for thousands of Nigerians.
For More Information or to Apply, Visit: www.nderegistrationportal.ng or contact the nearest NDE office in your state.
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read more informative posts, also check us out on Instagram for fun and engaging content.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.