List of Ongoing Empowerment Programs in Nigeria (2025)

Empowerment programs in Nigeria have become a critical way to reduce poverty, equip citizens with skills, and create jobs. Every year, both government and private organizations launch initiatives aimed at empowering Nigerian youths, women, farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

If you’re searching for the list of ongoing empowerment programs in Nigeria (2025), this detailed guide covers the most reliable opportunities you can apply for right now.

This article explains each program, who it is meant for, the benefits, how to apply, and key tips to succeed.

Why You Should Apply for an Empowerment Program

Empowerment programs in Nigeria are designed to help citizens gain skills, funding, and tools they need to improve their lives and contribute to the economy. Benefits include:

• Free or subsidized training in valuable skills.

• Access to grants, loans, or starter kits.

• Mentorship and exposure to business networks.

• Increased chances of employment or entrepreneurship.

Instead of waiting for government jobs, taking part in these programs can put you ahead.

Types of Empowerment Programs in Nigeria 2025

When searching for ongoing empowerment programs in Nigeria (2025), it’s helpful to know the different types of programs available. This way, you can choose the ones that fit your needs, skills, and goals.

Below are the major categories of empowerment programs in Nigeria and what each entails:

1. Youth Empowerment Programs

These are designed specifically for young Nigerians — often between the ages of 18 and 35 — to help them develop skills, find employment, or start businesses.

Examples include:

• N-Power: which trains and pays unemployed youths.

• BOI Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES-P): offering loans and training.

• YouWIN: providing grants and mentorship to young entrepreneurs.

Youth programs usually focus on addressing unemployment and preparing participants for careers or self-employment.

2. Women Empowerment Schemes

These focus on empowering Nigerian women, particularly widows, single mothers, and female entrepreneurs.

Women are encouraged to start and grow businesses, gain access to loans, and acquire leadership and vocational skills.

Examples include:

• Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi).

• Federal and state-level women cooperative grants.

• NGO-led women in agriculture or trade initiatives.

Many of these programs also aim to promote gender equality and financial independence for women.

3. Agricultural Empowerment Initiatives

Since agriculture is a vital sector in Nigeria, there are many programs aimed at empowering farmers and agribusiness owners.

These initiatives help farmers with tools, seedlings, loans, mechanization, and training to increase productivity and income.

Examples include:

• Anchor Borrowers’ Program (Central Bank of Nigeria).

• Federal Ministry of Agriculture farmer training schemes.

• State-level agricultural input support programs.

These programs are especially popular in rural areas and for anyone interested in farming or agribusiness.

4. Entrepreneurial and SME Funding Programs

Entrepreneurs and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) often struggle to get affordable funding. These programs provide loans, grants, and training to help businesses grow.

Examples include:

• Bank of Industry (BOI) SME loans.

• Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

• Tony Elumelu Foundation grants for African entrepreneurs.

If you already run a business or plan to start one, these programs can give you the boost you need.

5. Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training

Many Nigerians especially youths need practical, hands-on skills that they can use to earn money.

These programs offer training in skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, plumbing, carpentry, catering, welding, ICT, and more.

Examples include:

• Industrial Training Fund (ITF) technical and vocational training.

• NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED).

• State-run and NGO-led vocational programs.

Skills acquisition programs are a good choice if you want to quickly learn a trade and start earning.

Why Understanding These Categories Matters

Knowing the types of empowerment programs helps you target the right opportunities. For example:

• If you’re a young graduate, look for youth programs like N-Power or YES-P.

• If you’re a woman running a small business, focus on women-specific or SME funding programs.

• If you live in a rural area, agricultural initiatives might suit you best.

By understanding and searching within the right category, you increase your chances of finding a program that accepts you and helps you achieve your goals.

Ongoing Empowerment Programs in Nigeria (2025)

Below are the top programs currently active in 2025 that you can take advantage of:

1. N-Power Program

About:
N-Power is a federal government initiative under the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) to reduce youth unemployment.

Who can apply:
Unemployed Nigerian youths between 18 and 35 years.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of ₦30,000–₦40,000.

• Free training in areas like agriculture, health, teaching, and technology.

How to apply:
Visit nasims.gov.ng and complete the online application.

2. Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN)

About:
YouWIN helps young Nigerian entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

Who can apply:
Entrepreneurs aged 18–45 with a viable business idea.

Benefits:

• Grants of up to ₦5 million.

• Business mentorship and support.

How to apply:
Register at youwin.org.ng when applications open.

3. Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP)

About:
GEEP is part of NSIP that provides micro-loans to traders, artisans, and farmers.

Who can apply:
Market traders, artisans, and farmers.

Benefits:

• Interest-free loans ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦300,000.

How to apply:
Through accredited BOI agents or boi.ng

4. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program

About:
A private sector-led initiative that funds African entrepreneurs.

Who can apply:
Entrepreneurs with business ideas or startups less than 3 years old.

Benefits:

• $5,000 grant.

• Mentorship and training.

How to apply:
Apply on tefconnect.net.

5. NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED)

About:
For corps members undergoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to learn skills.

Who can apply:
Serving corps members.

Benefits:

• Free skills training.

• Support to access loans and grants.

How to apply:
Attend SAED orientation programs during your NYSC service year.

6. Bank of Industry (BOI) Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (YES-P)

About:
BOI helps young Nigerians establish or expand businesses.

Who can apply:
Youths aged 18–35 with business ideas.

Benefits:

• Loans of up to ₦10 million.

• Training and mentorship.

How to apply:
Visit boi.ng to apply.

7. Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi)

About:
Designed to support women-led businesses in Nigeria.

Who can apply:
Women-owned SMEs.

Benefits:

• Funding.

• Business training.

How to apply:
Check updates at worldbank.org for current calls.

8. Agricultural Empowerment Programs (FMARD)

About:
Federal Ministry of Agriculture runs programs like Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme and farmer trainings.

Who can apply:
Farmers, agro-entrepreneurs.

Benefits:

• Input support.

• Low-interest loans.

• Mechanization services.

How to apply:
Through local agricultural offices or fmard.gov.ng.

9. Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)

About:
A Lagos State program to create jobs through entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.

Who can apply:
Residents of Lagos with business ideas.

Benefits:

• Loans and grants.

• Training programs.

How to apply:
Apply at lsetf.ng.

10. Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Programs

About:
ITF equips Nigerians with technical and vocational skills.

Who can apply:
Nigerians interested in technical and vocational training.

Benefits:

• Free or subsidized training.

• Starter kits for graduates.

How to apply:
Visit itf.gov.ng.

Summary Table: Ongoing Empowerment Programs in Nigeria (2025)

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Selected

If you want to succeed in applying for these programs, follow these steps:

• Prepare a strong application: Clearly explain your business idea or why you qualify.

• Apply early: Many programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Have necessary documents ready: ID, business plan, bank details.

• Follow instructions: Read all guidelines before applying.

• Attend training or orientation sessions: This increases your chances of being selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are empowerment programs in Nigeria free?

Most are free to join, but some may require minimal documentation or effort, such as attending training.

Do these programs guarantee funding?

Not all programs give cash grants; some focus on training or providing tools.

Can I apply for more than one program?

Yes, you can apply to multiple programs as long as you meet their requirements.

How long does it take to get selected?

It depends on the program — some announce results within weeks, others take months.

Final Thoughts on Ongoing Empowerment Programs in Nigeria (2025)

If you’re looking to build a better future for yourself, these ongoing empowerment programs in Nigeria (2025) are a great place to start.

Whether you want to learn new skills, get funding for your business, or find a pathway to employment, there is something for everyone.

Take advantage of these opportunities today by applying to the programs that best fit your goals and interests. Stay persistent and proactive — and you’ll increase your chances of benefiting from these life-changing initiatives.