As thousands of Nigerian youths rush to apply for the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) grants, authorities have issued fresh warnings against fake websites, social media pages, and individuals claiming to offer shortcuts or guaranteed approvals.
The official YEIDEP grant, managed by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, offers up to ₦500,000 to eligible youths with business ideas or small enterprises.
However, scammers have begun targeting applicants with fake links and fraudulent “application fees.”
FG’s Official Warning
The Ministry cautioned applicants to only use the official YEIDEP portal for registration and verification. The correct domain is (https://yedep.org) — any variation or imitation should be considered fake.
Officials emphasised that no payment is required to apply or process any stage of the grant. Messages or calls requesting money for “faster approval,” “form purchase,” or “training slots” are fraudulent and should be ignored.
“Applicants should beware of fake websites or individuals posing as government agents. The YEIDEP grant is completely free. Selection is merit-based and handled transparently,” — a senior official at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development stated.
How The Scammers Operate
Investigations reveal that fraudsters are using several tactics to mislead applicants, including:
* Creating look-alike websites with slightly altered URLs.
* Posting fake social media adverts promising automatic approval.
* Sending SMS and WhatsApp messages claiming to be from ministry representatives.
* Demanding registration fees or ‘form charges’ ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000.
Some even circulate doctored “approval letters” to extract additional payments from unsuspecting youths.
Five Ways To Stay Safe When Applying
1. Use only official websites — Apply via (https://yedep.org). Bookmark it to avoid mistakes.
2. Never pay anyone — The grant is 100% free; no staff or agent is authorised to collect fees.
3. Verify social media sources — Follow only verified government handles. Ignore unofficial Telegram or WhatsApp groups.
4. Watch out for spelling errors — Fake sites often mimic names but include typos or strange domain endings.
5. Report suspicious activity — Forward scam messages or links to the Ministry’s verified email or report to local authorities.
Government Commitment
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparent disbursement and youth empowerment, assuring applicants that all verified entries will be reviewed fairly.
Also Read: 5 Small Businesses Lagos Youths Can Start with ₦500,000 YEIDEP Grant
Batch B registration remains ongoing, and successful beneficiaries will be contacted directly through official communication channels.
“We understand the enthusiasm among Nigerian youths, but we urge everyone to be patient and cautious. Genuine applicants will not be asked for money at any stage,” the Ministry added.
While the YEIDEP grant offers real hope for young entrepreneurs, the rise in fraudulent schemes poses serious risks.
Youths are urged to double-check every message, rely only on verified information, and stay alert while pursuing this opportunity.
