How to Apply For NDE Renewed Hope Employment 2025 (Phase 2)

Introduction to the NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative

Unemployment continues to be one of the major challenges facing millions of Nigerians, especially the youth. To tackle this issue and promote self-reliance, the Federal Government through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) launched the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI).

Now in its Phase 2, the NDE RHEI programme is designed to empower Nigerians with practical, in demand skills that lead to real job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.

Whether you are a graduate, school leaver, artisan, or simply looking for a fresh start, this initiative offers a golden opportunity to gain free vocational or technical training, receive stipends during training, and even access starter packs or business loans to kickstart your journey.

This blog post provides a detailed guide on how to successfully apply for the NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative 2025 via the official registration portal including eligibility, available programmes, benefits, and step-by-step registration.

What Is NDE and Its Mission?

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is a government agency under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, established to combat mass unemployment in Nigeria. Since its creation, NDE has been at the forefront of equipping Nigerians with employable and entrepreneurial skills to foster self-reliance and national development.

NDE’s core mission is to:

  • Reduce unemployment through skill acquisition and empowerment.
  • Provide platforms for youths and women to learn trades that are relevant and profitable.
  • Support small businesses and entrepreneurs with training, financial tools, and mentorship.
  • Bridge the gap between job seekers and the growing demand for skilled labour in Nigeria.

The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) is one of NDE flagship programmes created to align with Nigeria current administration agenda for job creation and youth empowerment.

Key Objectives of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 2

The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 2 is not just another training scheme, it is a strategic national empowerment programme designed to create jobs, reduce poverty, and equip Nigerians with 21st-century skills.

Below are the major goals of the RHEI programme:

  • Bridge Nigeria’s Skills Gap: Many employers today struggle to find skilled workers. RHEI aims to fill this gap by producing job-ready artisans, technicians, and entrepreneurs.
  • Promote Self-Reliance: The programme is designed to empower individuals to start and sustain their own businesses instead of depending solely on formal employment.
  • Support Industrial Growth: By training people in high-demand sectors like digital marketing, solar installation, agro-processing, and more, the programme boosts productivity and economic growth.
  • Foster National Development: Empowered citizens lead to a stronger economy. RHEI helps reduce social vices by giving young Nigerians a clear path toward employment and entrepreneurship.

This initiative reflects the federal government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda populatio investing in Nigerians to build a skilled and self-sufficient population.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

One of the best things about the NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is its inclusive eligibility structure. Whether you’re a young graduate, a woman, a farmer, or even someone with special needs, there’s a category for you.

Here are the basic eligibility requirements:

  • General Eligibility: 18–40 years
  • SYOB (Start Your Own Business): 21–35 years
  • MPP (Mature People’s Programme): 35–45 years
  • Must be a Nigerian citizen with a valid NIN (National Identification Number).
  • Must be unemployed or underemployed.
  • Willing to undergo skill acquisition training in your selected field.
  • Ability to register online and complete the application process.

You must update your State of Origin to your current State of Residence on the portal if they differ (as required by NIMC for verification).

Note: Special provisions are also made for persons with disabilities, women, and rural dwellers. Programmes are designed to be flexible and accessible in every geopolitical zone.

List of Available Programmes Under NDE Renewed Hope Employment Phase 2

The NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative offers a wide variety of free training programmes, designed to suit different interests, backgrounds, and local realities. Each programme falls under one of four major categories:

A. Vocational Skills Development (VSD)

These are hands-on, practical training programmes designed to help individuals master a trade or craft for self-employment.

Quick-Fix Demand Driven Scheme

  • Skills: Soap Making, Perfume Making, Paint Production, Bead Making, Make-up, Local Drinks
  • Target: Youths and women for short-term, high-demand skills.

Community Based Training Scheme

  • Skills: Electrical Installation, Fashion Designing, GSM Repairs, Catering, Computer Operation, Beauty Therapy
  • Target: Youths and women trained locally in profitable trades.

Digital Marketing Skills

  • Skills: Online marketing, content promotion, social media strategy
  • Target: Young people seeking opportunities in the digital and entertainment sectors.

School-On-Wheel (SOW)

  • Skills: Fashion Designing, Welding, GSM Repairs, Computer Repairs, Plumbing
  • Target: Rural dwellers trained through mobile workshops.

Special Vocational Training for Persons with Special Needs

  • Skills: Bead Making, Tailoring, Computer Operation, Carpentry, Soap & Air Freshener Production
  • Target: People with disabilities or developmental challenges.

Basic-National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS)

  • Skills: Catering, GSM Repairs, Hairdressing, Electrical Installation, Shoe-Leather Works
  • Target: General public trained via master craftsmen or accredited centers.

Techno-Cultural Crafts Scheme

  • Skills: Crotchet, Pottery, Carving, Drum Making, Raffia Mat Making, Cloth Weaving, Blacksmithing
  • Target: Those interested in indigenous crafts and tourism-based income.

Cloud Computing & AI Basics

  • Skills: Intro to AI, cloud-based services
  • Target: Tech-savvy applicants seeking modern, digital skills.

B. Small Scale Enterprises (SSE)

Focused on business and entrepreneurship development for different demographics.

Start Your Own Business (SYOB)

  • Skills: Business training for graduates
  • Target: Graduates of tertiary institutions.

Enterprise & Finance Counselling Clinic (EFCC)

  • Skills: Business advisory and counselling
  • Target: Existing entrepreneurs facing operational or management issues.

Matured People’s Programme (MPP)

  • Skills: Business management and planning
  • Target: Mature individuals (35–45) aiming to start or expand a business.

Job & Wealth Creation for Women

  • Skills: Food Processing, Catering, Confectionery
  • Target: Women seeking skills and financial empowerment.

Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme (MEES)

  • Skills: Business support for nano/micro businesses
  • Target: Existing small-scale business owners.

C. Rural Employment Promotion (REP)

Agro-based trainings aimed at equipping Nigerians with modern agricultural techniques.

Sustainable Agriculture Training

  • Skills: Poultry, Irrigation, Piggery, Vegetable Farming
  • Target: Rural farmers and unemployed youth.

Small Stock Production

  • Skills: Goat, Sheep, Ram Rearing
  • Target: Those interested in livestock farming.

Micro-Livestock Production

  • Skills: Snailry, Rabbitry, Grasscutter, Beekeeping
  • Target: Youth and women.

Community-Based Agricultural Training

  • Skills: Maize, Cowpea, Wheat Processing
  • Target: Community-based cereal production.

Fish Production & Feed Formulation

  • Skills: Fish farming and feed production
  • Target: Aquaculture learners.

Organic Agriculture

  • Skills: Composting, Greenhouse, Sack Farming
  • Target: Youths interested in eco-friendly agriculture.

D. Special Public Works (SPW)

Schemes for artisans, graduates, and environment-focused workers.

Artisans in Collaborative Construction (ACCES)

  • Skills: Masonry, Carpentry, Block Moulding, Metal Fabrication
  • Target: Local artisans who want formal training and certification.

Graduate Coaching Scheme (GCS)

  • Skills: Teaching (WAEC/NECO/JAMB prep)
  • Target: Graduates of Education and related fields.

Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP)

  • Skills: Work placement (internship)
  • Target: Fresh graduates needing work experience.

Environmental Beautification Training (EBTS)

  • Skills: POP, Hard/Soft Landscaping
  • Target: Individuals seeking jobs in environmental and urban beautification.

Solar Energy Training (SETS)

  • Skills: Solar design, installation, maintenance
  • Target: Graduates with technical/engineering background.

Training is available nationwide across:

  • NDE Training Centers
  • State-owned Centers
  • Registered Private Vocational Institutes

Benefits of the NDE Training Programs

Participating in the NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) comes with numerous life-changing benefits — not just for your career, but for your long-term financial stability and independence.

Here is what you stand to gain:

Free Skill Acquisition Training

All trainings are completely free. You don’t pay a dime — the Federal Government, through NDE, covers the cost of training, materials, and facilitators.

Monthly Stipends

Participants receive stipends during the training period to support transport, feeding, and other basic needs. This ensures you can focus on learning without financial stress.

Hands-On Learning

You’ll be trained by experienced professionals using real-life, practical methods in workshops, labs, or field sites. This makes you job-ready immediately after the programme.

National Certificate of Completion

At the end of your training, you will receive a verifiable NDE Certificate recognized by employers, business partners, and even international bodies.

Free Business Starter Packs

In many schemes, participants who successfully complete their training will be given free tools and equipment (e.g., sewing machines, catering kits, farming tools, etc.) to kick-start their business.

Access to Small Business Loans

You can also benefit from low-interest loans or business grants to grow your new business. This is especially common in schemes under Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) and Rural Employment Promotion (REP).

Nationwide Coverage

Training is available across all 36 states including the FCT, whether you live in a city, town, or remote village. You will be posted to a training center close to you.

Step-by-Step Guide How to Apply for the NDE RHEI 2025

Applying for the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is simple and 100% online. Follow these steps carefully to avoid errors and delays:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

  • Go to the NDE registration portal at:
    👉 https://nderegistrationportal.ng/signup

Step 2: Create an Account

  • Click on “Sign Up” to begin.
  • Enter a valid email address, phone number, and create a secure password.
  • Confirm your email and log in.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity (NIN Required)

  • Enter your National Identification Number (NIN) to proceed.
  • The portal will automatically pull your name, gender, and state of origin from NIMC records.

If your State of Residence is different from State of Origin, make sure to update it accordingly.

Step 4: Fill in Your Personal and Contact Details

  • Input details like address, age, marital status, education level, etc.
  • Make sure all entries are correct and match your NIN records.

Step 5: Select Your Programme, Scheme, and Skill Set

  • Carefully choose a programme category (e.g., VSD, SSE, REP, SPW).
  • Then select your preferred scheme and skill (e.g., GSM Repair under VSD).
  • Make sure you pick something that matches your passion or career goals.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

  • Review all your inputs.
  • Click Submit to complete your application.
  • Download and print your Acknowledgment Slip. It contains your Registration Number (very important!).

Step 7: Await Notification

  • You will be notified via SMS or email on the next stage — usually screening or physical training placement.
  • Keep checking your NDE client dashboard for updates.

Note: You can log in anytime to update your information, reprint your slip, or change your programme (if still open).

Conclusion

The NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 2 is more than a training opportunity, it is a gateway to financial freedom, skill development, and career transformation for thousands of Nigerians.

Whether you are a fresh graduate, a stay at home mom, a farmer, or someone simply looking for a better future, now is the time to take action.

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