Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase III 2026: Full Guide to NDE Registration, Skills & Stipends
Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase III 2026: NDE Registration & How to Apply. National Directorate of Employment trains 26,961 Nigerians in 70 skills. Portal open, stipends upgraded, training starts August 2026. Full guide.
The Federal Government has opened the online registration portal for the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase III. The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) will train 26,961 unemployed Nigerians in 70 demand-driven skills across all 36 states and the FCT.
Training is free. Selected participants get monthly stipends (now upgraded), starter packs for some graduates, and nationally recognised certificates. Nationwide training starts in August 2026 after registration and verification.
This guide covers everything you need: eligibility, exact steps to apply on the official portal, available skills, what previous phases achieved, and how to avoid scams.
ALSO APPLY: related post on other NDE programmes
What Is the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase III?
RHEI Phase III is NDE’s flagship skills and job-creation programme under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It focuses on practical training that matches current labour market needs in agriculture, vocational trades, digital skills, entrepreneurship and public works.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi, launched the upgraded portal. NDE Director-General Silas Agara confirmed the system now uses National Identification Number (NIN) verification, blocks multiple registrations, and automatically assigns applicants to the nearest training centre.
Selection follows a ward-to-ward approach so every community has a fair chance.
Key Numbers for RHEI Phase III 2026
- Target beneficiaries: 26,961
- Skills areas: 70 demand-driven trades
- Coverage: 36 states + FCT
- Training start: August 2026
- Previous Phase I: 32,886 trained; 4,683 received starter packs
- Previous Phase II: 33,692 completed training (resettlement delayed by 2025 capital budget)
Beneficiaries of Phase I and Phase II cannot apply for Phase III. The programme is opening slots for a fresh group of unemployed Nigerians.
Who Can Apply for Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase III?
You must meet these basic conditions:
- Nigerian citizen
- Age 18–50 (some schemes limit to 18–40 or 18–45)
- Unemployed, underemployed or seeking skill upgrade
- Valid National Identification Number (NIN)
- Valid BVN and active bank account
- Willing to train at the assigned centre near your residence
Persons with disabilities are welcome. The portal has dedicated pathways for them and matches skills to their abilities.
No formal education barrier exists for many vocational schemes. Graduates, school leavers, artisans and women are all eligible under different departments.
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Available Programmes and Skills Under RHEI Phase III
Training falls under four NDE departments. Here is a clear breakdown of the main options:
1. Rural Employment Promotion (REP) – Target \~4,962
Focus on agriculture and agribusiness: vegetable farming, poultry, piggery, irrigation, value-chain processing.
2. Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) – Target \~5,998
- Start Your Own Business (SYOB) – for tertiary graduates
- Job and Wealth Creation for Women – food processing, catering, beauty therapy, beading
- Digital training collaborations (internet skills, freelancing, AI content, e-commerce)
- Basic Business Training for artisans
3. Special Public Works (SPW) – Target \~3,756
- Graduate Coaching Scheme
- Graduate Internship Programme
- Environmental Beautification (landscaping, POP)
- Solar Energy Training (design, installation, maintenance)
4. Vocational Skills Development (VSD) – Target \~12,245 (largest share)
Popular options include:
- Fashion design, catering, interior decoration, event planning
- Welding, fabrication, auto mechanics, electrical installation, plumbing
- GSM repairs, computer repairs, barbing, hairdressing
- Digital marketing, AI-powered skills, cloud computing basics
- Quick-fix trades: soap, paint, cosmetics, beads, local drinks production
- Special schemes for persons with special needs
- Indigenous crafts and cultural tourism skills
Most VSD programmes run for about three months. Some digital and graduate schemes may differ.
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How to Apply for RHEI Phase III – Step-by-Step
Use only the official portal: https://nderegistrationportal.ng
- Create your NDE Client Account with a valid email and phone number.
- Complete the application form and select your preferred programme department.
- Take the 7-step Pre-Enrolment Assessment (eligibility, NIN identity check, BVN/bank details, programme choice, proximity, age, passport photo).
- Upload required documents: valid ID, clear passport photograph, highest certificate (if any), and BVN confirmation.
- Submit and download your acknowledgement slip. Keep your registration number safe.
- Wait for verification and training centre allocation. Successful applicants will be matched to the nearest centre based on state and LGA.
The system prevents multiple registrations. Make sure your NIN details match NIMC records exactly.
Hotlines for support: +234-906-2010-488 or +234-906-2010-499 (Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm). Email: info@nde.gov.ng
Stipends, Starter Packs and Benefits
NDE has upgraded the monthly stipends:
- Regular participants: ₦25,000 (up from ₦10,000)
- Graduate trainees: ₦50,000
Selected graduates who complete training will receive starter packs and work tools. The government has specifically committed to resettling 3,405 outstanding graduate trainees from earlier phases once funds are released.
Other benefits include free training materials, mentorship, nationally recognised NDE certificates, and pathways to job placement or self-employment.
Note: Previous phase stipend and resettlement delays were caused by the late release of the 2025 Capital Budget. The Ministry and NDE have publicly assured that outstanding payments will be cleared as soon as the funds arrive.
Important Warnings – Avoid Scams
Registration is 100% free. No agent, consultant or “facilitator” can guarantee your selection. Do not pay anyone for forms, slots or “express processing”.
Use only nderegistrationportal.ng. Ignore any other website or WhatsApp group claiming to be the official portal.
ALSO READ: related post on how to spot job scams in Nigeria
What Happens After You Register?
Shortlisted candidates undergo verification. Successful applicants receive centre allocation. Training begins nationwide in August 2026. Attendance is required. Upon completion you receive your certificate and, if selected, starter support.
Phase I and II beneficiaries remain ineligible so that more people can benefit.
Conclusion
The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase III gives 26,961 Nigerians a real chance to gain marketable skills and move into paid work or self-employment. The portal is open now. Training starts in August 2026.
Create your account on the official NDE portal today, complete the pre-enrolment assessment carefully, and keep your documents ready. Share this guide with friends and family who need the opportunity.
Apply now and take the next step toward sustainable employment.