NDDC begins N50,000 monthly payment to 10,000 Niger Delta youths , 2025

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has officially commenced the disbursement of ₦50,000 in monthly stipends to 10,000 young people from the Niger Delta region under its Youth Internship Programme.

This initiative is designed to empower indigenous youths by providing them with hands-on training and practical experience in various organizations, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

The Director of Corporate Affairs at NDDC, Mrs. Seledi-Thompson Wakama, made this announcement while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. She emphasized that the program is structured to offer participants a transformative learning experience over 12 months, enabling them to acquire critical skills that will enhance their employability and self-reliance.

Providing further details, Wakama recalled that during the official inauguration of the scheme on July 31, 2024, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had announced that the Federal Government had sanctioned a ₦50,000 monthly stipend for each trainee enrolled in the initiative. She noted that the stipend was approved as part of a broader effort to foster youth empowerment, alleviate unemployment, and promote economic growth within the Niger Delta region.

She disclosed that after a rigorous and transparent selection process, the commission had finalized the placement of successful candidates in various organizations, ensuring they receive practical exposure relevant to their fields of interest. According to her, with the completion of these preparatory stages, the payment of stipends to the selected trainees has now officially commenced.

Wakama further highlighted that the sheer volume of applications received—over 3.2 million youths registered for the program—demonstrates the deep desire among young people in the region to develop their skills and improve their economic prospects. From this overwhelming number, only 10,000 individuals were carefully chosen based on merit, ensuring that the most deserving candidates benefitted from the life-changing opportunity.

“This unprecedented level of interest reflects the immense potential and aspirations of our youths. It also underscores the pressing need for sustainable empowerment initiatives that provide young people with the skills and experiences required to build successful careers,” she stated.

The NDDC, she reaffirmed, remains committed to ensuring that this initiative reaches those who truly need it, thereby fostering a lasting impact that will contribute to both personal growth and regional development. She expressed confidence that by equipping young people with the right skills, the program would play a pivotal role in reducing unemployment and positioning the Niger Delta as a hub for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.

In addition to facilitating skill acquisition, Wakama pointed out that the scheme had enabled the commission to collect vital data on the educational qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and employment status of young people in the Niger Delta. She explained that this information would serve as a foundation for designing more tailored and impactful programs that directly address the unique challenges faced by the region’s youth population.

Furthermore, she revealed that the NDDC had entered into a strategic partnership with KPMG, a globally renowned audit and consultancy firm, to enhance the commission’s corporate governance framework. The partnership, she noted, aligns with the commission’s broader objective of improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its operations.

“KPMG has developed a Governance Advisory Report, which will serve as a critical tool to guide the commission’s transition from a transaction-based approach to a more transformation-focused policy framework. This will ensure that our programs and initiatives deliver sustainable and meaningful outcomes for the people of the Niger Delta,” she explained.

Concluding her remarks, Wakama expressed her appreciation to the thousands of young applicants who demonstrated patience and cooperation throughout the selection process. She assured them that the NDDC remains committed to expanding opportunities for youth empowerment in the region and will continue to introduce innovative programs aimed at fostering economic independence and long-term development.

For those interested in applying for the next phase of the Youth Internship Programme, the application link can be found here.