Empowering Nigeria’s Youth: An Evaluation of the National Youth Investment Fund under President Tinubu’s Administration

Youth unemployment remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent development challenges, with rates exceeding 30% in 2024 despite numerous policy interventions. In response, President Bola Tinubu’s administration relaunched and restructured the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) in March 2024, approving ₦110 billion in seed capital to support youth-led enterprises and generate over one million jobs. This study evaluates the early implementation and outcomes of the revitalized NYIF using a mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 1,200 youth applicants, 200 successful beneficiaries across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, and 25 key informant interviews with policymakers, fund administrators, and youth leaders.Findings indicate overwhelming demand, with over 80,000 applications received within 72 hours of launch, but only about 41,000 applicants funded in the first tranche due to budget and administrative constraints. Beneficiaries reported positive outcomes, including business creation (64%), job generation (average of three jobs per enterprise), and revenue growth (+35% on average) in sectors such as agriculture, digital services, and creative industries. However, challenges were evident: restrictive eligibility criteria, limited loan caps (₦300,000), disbursement delays, and governance concerns regarding transparency and selection processes. The study concludes that while the NYIF demonstrates strong potential to foster entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, its impact is currently constrained by scale, inclusivity, and institutional bottlenecks. Policy recommendations include increasing funding allocations, simplifying application processes, strengthening digital disbursement mechanisms, and embedding mentorship and monitoring frameworks. Long-term sustainability will depend on institutionalizing the fund, enhancing accountability, and integrating it with broader national employment and SME strategies. Keywords: National Youth Investment Fund; Youth Empowerment; Entrepreneurship; Social Investment; Nigeria; President Tinubu.