The Honourable Minister for Youth Development, Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, has engaged in a strategic meeting with the leadership of NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB) to review the implementation of the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and chart a course for its next phase.
The meeting, held in Abuja, was attended by the Managing Director of NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kure, alongside senior officials from both institutions. The session focused on identifying the strengths and gaps in the previous rollout of the NYIF, while exploring avenues for improved collaboration to enhance economic access and opportunities for Nigerian youth.
According to the Minister, the engagement was part of broader efforts to build a more inclusive and impactful youth development strategy through sustained institutional partnerships.
“We are committed to ensuring that interventions like the NYIF deliver measurable and long-term benefits for our young people,” said Ayodele. “Today’s conversation with NMFB is a step towards renewing that commitment, by identifying practical strategies to improve skills development, access to finance, and entrepreneurial support for Nigerian youth.”
The NYIF, launched in 2020, was designed to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs and youth-owned businesses across the country. While the initiative has recorded notable successes, stakeholders have acknowledged the need for refinement and increased impact.
During the meeting, both parties exchanged insights on challenges encountered during the previous phase and outlined new strategies to strengthen delivery mechanisms and widen reach.
Mr. Kure reaffirmed NMFB’s readiness to work with the Ministry in the renewed phase of the NYIF, emphasizing the bank’s ongoing dedication to youth-centered financial inclusion.
The Minister concluded by stressing the importance of continuous engagement, transparency, and collaboration to ensure that Nigeria’s youth are adequately equipped and supported to thrive in a competitive economy.
The renewed partnership is expected to introduce new frameworks for implementation, monitoring, and impact assessment, with a focus on sustainability and inclusiveness.
