Pledges to resettle 3,405 outstanding graduate trainees
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The federal government has launched the online registration portal for Phase III of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI), with plans to train 26,961 unemployed Nigerians in 70 demand-driven skills across the country.
The government also pledged to resettle 3,405 outstanding graduate trainees with starter packs and tools upon the successful completion of the programme as part of efforts to boost employment and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi, said the initiative was designed to address unemployment by providing skills training and employment opportunities to Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the government was adopting a ward-to-ward approach in selecting beneficiaries to ensure wider coverage.
The minister, however, acknowledged delays affecting beneficiaries of the previous phase of the programme, particularly in the payment of stipends and the provision of resettlement support.
He attributed the delay to funding challenges, assuring affected beneficiaries that efforts were ongoing with the relevant authorities to resolve the matter.
“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.
Earlier, the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, said the Phase III registration portal had been upgraded with features aimed at improving the application process.
He explained that applicants would be required to verify their identities using their National Identification Number (NIN), while the system would prevent multiple registrations and assign applicants to training centres closest to their locations.
Agara said persons living with disabilities would also be identified and placed in suitable skills programmes.
Providing updates on previous phases, the NDE Director-General said 32,886 Nigerians were trained under Phase I of the initiative in 2024, with 4,683 beneficiaries receiving start-up tools and support.
He added that 33,692 persons were trained under Phase II but were yet to receive resettlement support due to the non-release of the 2025 capital budget.
According to him, the delay has also affected the payment of outstanding stipends to 4,651 participants.
“The moment the 2025 Capital Budget is released, we will move immediately to clear every outstanding obligation,” Agara said.
He said beneficiaries of Phases I and II would not be eligible to apply for Phase III, as the agency seeks to extend the programme to a new set of unemployed Nigerians.
The NDE Director-General added that nationwide training under the new phase is expected to begin in August 2026 after the completion of the registration exercise.
(The Sun)