The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has closed the online registration portal for the Third Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI 3), bringing to an end the nationwide application exercise.
The registration portal was shut at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, after a one-week application period, according to a statement issued by the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Ali Agara.
The statement noted that the portal was launched on July 23 by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammed Maigari Dingyadi, who announced that it would remain open for one week to enable eligible unemployed Nigerians to apply for the programme.
It explained that the registration exercise experienced minor technical disruptions on Saturday, July 25, prompting the Directorate to extend the application period by one day to ensure that no eligible applicant was disadvantaged.
With the registration process concluded, the NDE said it would immediately begin the collation, verification and assessment of applications.
According to the Directorate, successful applicants will be selected strictly in line with the programme’s guidelines and notified through its official communication channels.
Agara expressed appreciation to Nigerians for what he described as the overwhelming interest shown in the initiative and thanked applicants for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the registration period.
He also commended the Minister of Labour and Employment for his support and commitment to the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative.
The Director-General assured the public that the selection process would be automated, transparent, fair and merit-based.
He urged applicants to rely only on information disseminated through the NDE’s official channels and disregard false claims or individuals promising to influence or guarantee selection into the programme.
Agara reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to the successful implementation of the third phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, saying the programme is designed to create opportunities for unemployed Nigerians through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and sustainable livelihoods in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
