National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) 2025 – Federal Government Grant for Nigerian Youths
Nigerian youths aged 18 to 40 with new business ideas were the target for the NYIF when it was created. Whether you are in school, have a degree or running a small business, NYIF is for you.
The fund is government grant so you can start or grow your business. They also give you money and courses to manage your business well.
The interest rate is low and sometimes the support is given as grant. When you get a grant, you don’t need to pay back. One of the aim of NYIF is to prepare young Nigerians to start a business not just look for white collar jobs.
A lot of businesses — fashion, farming, tech, crafts and so on — can benefit from the NYIF. If you have a business idea or already working on your own business, you can apply.
Being part of this program allows you to follow your dreams. Remember to take advantage of the opportunity. This might be the support you need to change your life.
We will explain in this article what the NYIF 2025 is, who qualifies, how to apply and how much you will receive.
Let’s get started.
What is NYIF?
National Youth Investment Fund is called NYIF. The Federal Government of Nigeria created the fund for a purpose. It is for young people who want to start a business or grow the one they already have.
The government started the program in 2020 and now in 2025 it’s back with more strength and progress. For this year, the government has budgeted ₦110 billion for Nigerian youths.
NYIF is not just about giving money. It also involves training students, showing them how to manage their business and linking them to mentors. The main objective is to provide employment, reduce poverty and develop the economy.
Who Can Apply for NYIF 2025?
Not everyone can apply. NYIF is for Nigerian youths who meet some simple conditions.
Here are the people who can apply:
- The NYIF stipulated age is 18 years and above. But should not be more than 40 years old as a maximum.
- Non-Nigerians are not qualified
- You are expected to submit a valid National Identification Number (NIN) in the process. Go and get one if you don’t have one yet.
- You must have a Bank Verification Number (BVN).* You have a business idea or already have a small business.
- Your business is CAC registered or you are ready to register it.
- You are ready to attend a training.
What You Get?
The NYIF gives more than just money. Let’s break it down:
1. Loan
Loan limit is up to ₦3 million if you want to start or expand your business. What’s good about this loan is that the interest rate is 5% a year. You can pay back within 5 years.
Loan is usually given by banks like NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB).
2. Grant
There are special occasions when the NYIF gives out grants. You don’t have to pay back a grant because it’s free money. Those with great and helpful plans to help businesses or communities can get a business grant.
3. Training and Mentorship
Before you get the money, you will go through a short training program. This training will teach you how to:
- Manage your money
- Grow your business
- Sell your products or services
- Use social media for marketing
After training, some applicants will also get a mentor — someone who will guide you as you build your business.
What Kind of Business Ideas Can Apply?
You don’t have to be rich or already have a big shop to apply. Even a simple idea can qualify. These are the types of businesses the NYIF supports:
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fashion and Clothing
- Barbing or Hairdressing
- Computer or Phone Repair
- Graphics and Photography
- Baking and Catering
- Online business (e.g. mini importation)
- Mobile App or Web Development
- Creative Arts (e.g. music, acting, writing)
Even if you run a small business from your room, you can apply — as long as your business is real and has a future.
How to Apply for NYIF 2025
Applying for NYIF is easy. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Website
Go to the official NYIF website. The current link is:
👉 https://nyif.nmfb.com.ng
Make sure you are on the correct site to avoid scams.
Step 2: Register
Click on “Apply Now” and fill in your personal details. You will need your:
- Full name
- BVN
- NIN
- Email address
- Phone number
Step 3: Provide Business Information
Fill in details about your business, including:
- Business name
- Type of business
- How much money you need
- What you will use the money for
If your business is registered with CAC, you will also need to upload your CAC certificate.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
After filling in all the information, click submit.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Upon acceptance, you will get a notification to join the training program.
After going through the loan application process, you will know how much you can borrow and when you will get it.
Things to Remember
Here are a few tips to help you succeed when applying for NYIF:
1. Make sure to write a clear business plan. Share what your business is about and let the investors know how you will use the money.
2. Don’t lie. Give your real information since they will verify it.
3. If CAC registration is not done yet, do it as soon as possible.
4. Check your phone and email regularly for updates.
5. Prepare for the training. Education cost you nothing and is very important.
Why NYIF?
There are many young people in Nigeria with talents and dreams but they don’t have money or helpers. NYIF gives young people an option to change things.
In this way the fund:
1. Youths will become owners of their own companies.
2. Some people will get employed because of this.
3. Poverty will reduce the amount they save.
4. Nigerian economy will grow faster.
It’s not just about the money — it’s about building a better Nigeria for us.
FAQs
Does NYIF only give scholarships to students?
No. National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) is open to people other than students too. It’s open to all Nigerian people 18 to 40 years old. Whether you’re a student, graduated, running a small business or learning something, you can apply for this program. NYIF is open to people who want to support their business idea or expand their small business in Nigeria.
Are there any charges for the loan?
There’s a cost involved in getting the loan. A loan is a credit so you have to pay back. But the interest rate is low — 5% per annum. Borrowing from SBA will require you to pay back a little more than the original amount. The loan will help you not push you to worry over unnecessary costs.
Can I apply without CAC certificate?
You can apply even if you haven’t registered your business. But the bank might ask you to register your business with CAC before giving you the loan. Start the process as soon as possible.
Can I apply more than once?
One time is enough; don’t apply more than once. Repeated applications with different or same information will get your application denied. Never give false information and respect the game rules.
Conclusion
Supporting youths through National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) 2025 is one of the best achievements of the Nigerian government. If you’re 18 to 40 years old and have a business idea or small business, this is for you.Apply now. Don’t wait.
Check the official NYIF portal and never use any suspicious links. NY Institute of Finance training is free for all.
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