NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase 3 2026: How to Apply for Free Training, Stipends and Start-Up Support

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Published on Wednesday, 08 July 2026 09:30

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The programme is organised by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to provide unemployed and underemployed Nigerians with practical vocational skills, digital training, agricultural skills, entrepreneurship development and other opportunities that can improve their chances of securing employment or starting a business.

 

Successful applicants will have access to fully funded skills training, support stipends and start-up assistance for selected trades.

 

Training will take place through NDE training centres and other approved facilities across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 

If you are unemployed, underemployed or looking for practical skills that can help you earn an income, this guide explains the eligibility requirements, available programmes, benefits, documents needed and how to apply.

 

NDE RHEI Phase 3 2026 Programme Summary

 

Here are the key details applicants should know:

• Programme: Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 3

• Organiser: National Directorate of Employment (NDE)

• Country: Nigeria

• Target beneficiaries: 21,824 participants

• Coverage: 36 states and the FCT

• Training: Fully funded

• Available areas: Vocational, technical, agricultural, business and digital skills

• Support: Training stipends and start-up support for selected trades

• Application fee: Free

• Application status: Open

• Application opening date: June 2026

• Application closing date: Not officially announced by NDE at the time of publication

• Registration portal: https://nderegistrationportal.ng/

 

Applicants are advised to apply early rather than wait for a deadline announcement.

 

What Is the NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative?

 

The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is a nationwide job creation and skills acquisition programme managed by the National Directorate of Employment.

 

It aims to reduce unemployment by helping Nigerians gain practical and marketable skills that can lead to:

• Self-employment

• Small business creation

• Better job opportunities

• Sustainable income

• Improved business management skills

​

Unlike a conventional government recruitment exercise, the RHEI programme focuses mainly on practical training, entrepreneurship and employment creation.

 

Participants can choose from different schemes based on their interests, age, location and eligibility.

 

How Many Nigerians Will Benefit from NDE RHEI Phase 3?

 

The NDE plans to train approximately 21,824 participants under Phase 3 of the programme.

 

The available places are distributed across four major programme areas:

• Rural Employment Promotion (REP): 4,662 participants

• Small Scale Enterprises (SSE): 5,998 participants

• Special Public Works (SPW): 3,756 participants

• Vocational Skills Development (VSD): 7,408 participants

​

This makes the programme one of the major Federal Government skills acquisition and employment support opportunities currently available to Nigerians.

 

NDE RHEI Phase 3 Programme Categories

Applicants can choose from four major programme categories.

 

1. Rural Employment Promotion (REP)

The Rural Employment Promotion programme focuses on agriculture, food production and agribusiness.

Available areas include:

• Vegetable farming

• Poultry production

• Irrigation farming

• Piggery

• Goat production

• Sheep and ram production

• Rabbit farming

• Snail farming

• Grasscutter rearing

• Beekeeping

• Fish production

• Fish feed formulation

• Maize processing

• Wheat processing

• Cowpea processing

• Food processing

• Greenhouse farming

• Sack farming

• Compost production

This category may suit applicants interested in farming, livestock production, food processing and agricultural business opportunities.

 

2. Small Scale Enterprises (SSE)

 

The Small Scale Enterprises programme focuses on entrepreneurship, business development and self-employment.

 

Depending on the available scheme, participants may receive training in areas such as:

• Starting and managing a small business

• Entrepreneurship development

• Business planning

• Financial management

• Enterprise growth

• Self-employment strategies

​

This category may be suitable for graduates, aspiring entrepreneurs and people interested in starting or improving a small business.

 

3. Special Public Works (SPW)

 

The Special Public Works programme provides employment-related skills and work opportunities linked to public works and community development.

 

Available opportunities may vary depending on the scheme and location.

 

4. Vocational Skills Development (VSD)

 

The Vocational Skills Development category offers practical training in different trades and technical skills.

 

Some available skills include:

• Electrical installation

• Fashion designing

• GSM repairs

• Catering

• Shoe and leather works

• Hairdressing

• Blacksmithing

• Basket weaving

• Leather work

• Knitting

• Tie and dye

• Pottery

• Aluminium pot production

• Cloth weaving

• Carving

• Sculpture

 

The programme also includes Basic Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence training for eligible applicants.

 

NDE RHEI Phase 3 Training Duration

Training duration depends on the programme and scheme selected.

For example, some Vocational Skills Development schemes run for approximately three months.

 

Applicants should check the details of their chosen programme carefully before completing the application.

 

Benefits of the NDE RHEI Phase 3 Programme

Successful applicants may receive several forms of support.

 

These include:

• Fully funded skills acquisition training

• Practical, hands-on learning

• Training support stipends

• Access to approved training centres

• Entrepreneurship development support

• NDE Certificate of Completion

• Start-up support for selected trades

• Better opportunities for self-employment

• Improved employability and job readiness

​

Some participants may also be considered for additional business support, depending on the programme, available resources and applicable eligibility requirements.

 

Is There a Monthly Stipend?

 

The official NDE portal states that the programme provides support stipends to participants.

 

Applicants should note that the exact stipend amount may depend on the programme or scheme.

 

Avoid relying on unofficial social media posts that promise a specific amount unless the NDE confirms it.

 

Who Can Apply for the NDE RHEI Phase 3 Programme?

 

The programme is designed mainly for Nigerians who want to acquire practical skills for employment or self-employment.

 

Applicants should generally:

• Be Nigerian citizens

• Be unemployed or underemployed

• Meet the age requirement for their chosen programme

• Have a valid National Identification Number (NIN)

• Have a valid phone number and email address

• Have a bank account

• Have a valid Bank Verification Number (BVN)

• Be willing to attend the required training

• Complete the online pre-enrolment assessment

The official application portal also allows applicants to indicate their educational qualifications.

Available education levels include:

• No formal education

• Primary education

• Secondary education

• Diploma or NCE

• Bachelor's degree

• Master's degree

• Doctorate

This means opportunities are available across different educational backgrounds, although individual schemes may have their own requirements.

 

NDE RHEI Phase 3 Age Requirements

 

The age requirement depends on the selected programme.

For example:

• Many agricultural schemes accept applicants aged 18 to 50

• Some vocational training schemes accept applicants aged 18 to 40

​

Applicants should check the age requirement attached to their preferred scheme before applying.

 

Documents and Information Needed for Registration

Before starting your application, prepare the following:

• Valid 11-digit NIN

• Valid 11-digit BVN

• Active bank account

• Bank account number

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Gender

• Marital status

• Email address

• Active phone number

• Recent photograph

• State and location details

Make sure your personal and bank information is correct before submitting the application.

 

What Is the NDE Pre-Enrolment Assessment?

The pre-enrolment assessment is an important part of the application process.

Applicants must complete the assessment after creating an NDE client account.

 

The assessment checks information relating to:

• Eligibility

• Identity

• Bank details

• Programme selection

• Training centre proximity

• Age

• Photograph

• Application summary

​

The purpose is to help the NDE match applicants with suitable programmes and accessible training centres.

 

Your registration may not be complete until you finish the required pre-enrolment assessment.

 

How to Apply for NDE RHEI Phase 3 2026

 

Follow these steps to apply:

 

Step 1: Visit the Official NDE Registration Portal

Go to:

https://nderegistrationportal.ng/

 

Step 2: Create an NDE Client Account

Provide the required details and create your account.

If you already have an NDE client account, log in to your existing dashboard.

 

Step 3: Complete Your Personal Information

Enter your correct personal details, including:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Phone number

• Email address

• NIN

• State and location information

 

Step 4: Provide Your Bank Details

Enter your:

• Bank name

• Account number

• BVN

• Account holder's name

Use a bank account that belongs to you.

 

Step 5: Select a Programme

Choose your preferred:

• Programme category

• Scheme

• Skill or trade

Select a programme that matches your interests and age.

 

Step 6: Complete the Pre-Enrolment Assessment

Answer all required questions and complete every stage of the assessment.

 

Step 7: Submit Your Application

Review your information carefully before final submission.

 

Step 8: Keep Your Application Record

Download or save your acknowledgement slip or application details for future reference.

 

NDE RHEI Phase 3 Registration Link

Interested applicants can register through the official application portal below:

 

Apply here: https://nderegistrationportal.ng/

Application is free.

Do not pay anyone to submit an application on your behalf.

 

Application Opening and Closing Date

 

Applications for the NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase 3 opened in June 2026.

 

At the time of publication, the official NDE registration portal had not displayed a confirmed closing date.

 

Applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible because the programme has a limited target of 21,824 participants nationwide.

 

This page should be updated once the NDE officially announces the application deadline.

 

Where Will the Training Take Place?

 

Training will be available nationwide.

According to the NDE, training centres are located across the 36 states and the FCT.

 

Depending on the programme, training may take place at:

• NDE training centres

• Government-owned facilities

• Approved vocational centres

• Accredited private training centres

• Master craftsperson workshops

​

Applicants may be matched with training opportunities based partly on their location and proximity to an available centre.

 

Important Tips Before You Apply

 

To reduce mistakes during registration:

• Use your correct NIN and BVN

• Enter a phone number you can access

• Use an active email address

• Choose a programme you are genuinely interested in

• Check the age requirement before selecting a scheme

• Complete the pre-enrolment assessment

• Save your login details

• Keep your acknowledgement slip

• Apply only through the official NDE portal

​

Do not submit false information. Incorrect personal, identity or bank details may affect your application.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is the NDE RHEI Phase 3 application free?

Yes. The online application is free.

 

How many people will be selected?

The programme targets approximately 21,824 participants nationwide.

 

Can graduates apply?

Yes. The application portal accommodates different educational levels, including diploma, NCE, bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate holders.

 

Can someone without a university degree apply?

Yes. Many of the vocational and agricultural programmes are designed for people from different educational backgrounds.

 

Is NIN compulsory?

Yes. Applicants are required to provide a valid 11-digit National Identification Number.

 

Is BVN required?

Yes. The pre-enrolment assessment requires applicants to provide bank account and BVN details.

 

Will participants receive a stipend?

The official portal states that participants will receive support stipends. The exact amount may depend on the programme and official NDE arrangements.

 

Will everyone receive start-up tools?

The programme provides start-up support for selected trades. Applicants should not assume that every participant will automatically receive the same tools or financial support.

 

Can I apply from any state in Nigeria?

Yes. The programme covers all 36 states and the FCT.

 

What is the NDE RHEI Phase 3 closing date?

The NDE has not officially announced a confirmed closing date on the registration portal at the time of publication. Apply early to avoid missing the opportunity.

 

Conclusion

 

The NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase 3 2026 offers unemployed and underemployed Nigerians an opportunity to gain practical skills in agriculture, vocational trades, entrepreneurship, digital technology and other areas.

 

With 21,824 targeted participants, the programme is open nationwide and provides fully funded training, support stipends and possible start-up assistance for selected trades.

 

Interested applicants should use only the official NDE registration portal, provide accurate information and complete the mandatory pre-enrolment assessment.

 

Official Registration Portal: https://nderegistrationportal.ng/

Apply early and keep your application details safe for future updates.

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