NiYA Start-Up Grant 2.0: FG Empowers 300 Young Nigerians, Unveils National Digital Work Platform “NiYA Gigs”
Nigeria’s drive toward youth empowerment took another major leap yesterday as the Federal Ministry of Youth Development hosted the NiYA Start-Up Grant 2.0 and officially launched NiYA Gigs, a new national digital work platform designed to connect young Nigerians to global job opportunities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister highlighted the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose commitment to youth development continues to shape Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. According to him, the President’s far-reaching reforms—ranging from regulatory reviews to tax incentives and improved access to finance—have created an enabling environment where young Nigerians can “dream boldly and build fearlessly.”
During the ceremony, over 200 youth-led startups received ₦1 million each, while more than 100 young Nigerians in the informal sector were empowered with ₦500,000 each as direct support grants. The Minister emphasized that these funds are grants, not loans, describing them as “fuel to fire creativity,” not the final destination.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of NiYA Gigs, a national platform that opens limitless global digital work opportunities for Nigerian youth, particularly in the fast-growing outsourcing and digital services economy. With the addition of this platform, the Ministry now boasts a full youth development ecosystem—NiYA Academy, NiYA Jobs, and NiYA Gigs—designed to take young Nigerians from learning to building and ultimately to earning.
The Minister extended appreciation to key partners—including Dubai Digital School, Sapphital, FIRS, NEXIM Bank, and Providus Bank—for their collaboration in strengthening the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk and expanding the digital support framework for young innovators.
He congratulated all beneficiaries and expressed optimism that the grants would help unlock ideas and ventures capable of contributing significantly to national development. “This is how we create a generation that does not wait for the future, but builds it,” he said.
Starnigerianews.com will continue to follow the progress of the beneficiaries and the impact of the NiYA initiatives across the country.