NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative RHEI Phase 3 2026: Free Registration Now Open

Introduction

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has officially opened registration for the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase 3 2026.

This federal program is designed to tackle unemployment by training 26,961 unemployed Nigerians nationwide in market-driven skills, and providing resettlement support for 3,405 outstanding beneficiaries from previous phases.

Registration is 100% FREE and done online at nderegistrationportal.ng. NDE warns: do not pay anyone. The program runs until February 19, 2027 with nationwide flag-off fixed for August 4, 2026.

If you are 18-50 years and resident in any state/FCT, this is your chance to get free training, stipends, certification, and startup support.

About NDE RHEI Phase 3

RHEI is NDE’s flagship job creation program under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Phase 3 comes with major upgrades:

Key upgrades for 2026:

• Fully digital registration and management with NIN + BVN integration for transparency
• Training extended to 6 months
• Demand-driven skills tailored to each state’s economic needs
• NABTEB certification + free ICT training for 10,000 beneficiaries via NDE-Timeterest partnership
• Automatic inclusion for Persons with Disabilities directed to tailored programs.

Total Target: 21,824 – 26,961 participants across 4 departments:
Rural Employment Promotion REP: 4,662 slots – Agriculture, poultry, fishery, irrigation
Small Scale Enterprises SSE: 5,998 slots
Special Public Works SPW: 3,756 slots
Vocational Skills Development VSD: 7,408 slots – fashion, catering, welding, solar, GSM repairs.

Benefits: What Selected Participants Get

As an RHEI Phase 3 beneficiary you will receive:

• Free skills training for 6 months at the nearest training center
• Startup support: tools, equipment, starter packs for selected trades
• Business loan access – 70% of participants can access soft loans after training
• NABTEB certification and mentorship
• Digital marketplace access to sell products via NDE-Timeterest app.

Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible?
NDE welcomes applications from Nigerians who are:

• Age: 18 – 50 years. Previous guideline was 18-45
• Residency: State of residence matters, not state of origin
• NIN: Valid National Identification Number – mandatory
• BVN: Valid Bank Verification Number
• Education: No strict requirement. FSLC, SSCE, ND, HND, Degree, or no formal education can apply depending on program

Note: Previous applicants not selected can reapply as NINs will be reactivated

Application Process & Key Dates

How to Apply:

• Create NDE Client Account at nderegistrationportal.ng with valid email and phone
• Complete Application Form – personal details + select preferred programme department
• Take Pre-Enrolment Assessment – 7 steps covering eligibility, identity, bank, programme, proximity, age, photo
• Document Verification – Upload ID, passport photo <500KB, certificate, BVN
• Admission & Centre Allocation – Get matched to nearest center based on State, LGA, programme
• Begin Training – Start free training + mentorship

APPLY HERE

Key Dates:
Portal Opens: 23 July 2026
Application Deadline: 29 July 2026
Program Duration: Until Feb 19, 2027
Fee: FREE

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