NYIF 2025 | How to Check Shortlist & Apply for the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund Loan/Grant

NYIF 2025: How to Check Shortlist & Apply for the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund Loan/Grant – Are you a young Nigerian entrepreneur looking for funds to grow your business or startup? The Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) under NMFB is open to applications, and the 2025 shortlist process is underway. Here’s everything you need to know to apply, check if you’re shortlisted, and secure your grant or loan through the NYIF portal (nyif.nmfb.com.ng).

What is NYIF?

NYIF is a Federal Government initiative in partnership with NMFB (Nigerian Microfinance Bank) to provide access to low-interest loans and grants to young Nigerians aged 18-40. The purpose is to support youth entrepreneurship, empower informal business operators, foster innovation, and reduce unemployment.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the NYIF Loan/Grant in 2025, you must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen, aged between 18 and 40 years.

• Have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

• If you run a business, you may need your business properly registered (CAC or local business registration). For informal businesses, you should have a clear proposal or business plan. Central Bank of Nigeria

• Must not have unpaid loan(s) from other NMFB/CBN intervention programmes.

• Provide required documents, such as a birth certificate or other proof of age, a local government of origin certificate, TIN, etc.

How to Apply through the NYIF Portal (2025)

1. Visit the Official Portal
   Go to nyif.nmfb.com.ng or via the Federal Ministry of Youth & Development NYIF page.

2. Register / Create an Account
   Set up your profile using your personal details, NIN, BVN, etc. Make sure your email and phone number are valid.

3. Fill Application Form

   • Business idea or details of existing enterprise

   • Proposed use of funds (loan or grant)

   • Upload necessary documents (proof of age, local government certificate, registration document if applicable, TIN, etc.)

   • Submit a business plan or proposal when required.

4. Submit & Wait for Shortlist
   Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed. If successful at the preliminary stages, your name will appear on the NYIF shortlist.

5. Check Shortlist Status

   • Log in to your NYIF profile on the portal to see if you’ve been shortlisted.

   • The portal will also likely email or notify you if additional documents are needed.

   • Shortlist announcements are usually posted on the portal and official channels.

6. Loan / Grant Disbursement
   For applicants on the shortlist who meet all requirements, funds are disbursed through NMFB after due verification. The interest rate is subsidised (below market rates), and repayment terms may include a grace period.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Submitting inaccurate or incomplete documents

• Missing the eligibility age or citizenship criteria

• Applying with outstanding/unpaid government loans

• Not reading or following the portal instructions carefully

NYIF 2025 Shortlist & Key Dates

While specific dates can change, applicants should:

• Check regularly on nyif.nmfb.com.ng for updates on shortlists and announcements.

• Monitor official NYIF social media channels for notification posts.

• Be ready to respond quickly if asked for more documentation or to attend further verification.

Why You Should Apply

• Access to grants/low-interest loans to scale your business

• Help with capitalisation when traditional banks are difficult to access

• Opportunity to formalise informal operations and get official recognition

• Supports sectors like agriculture, technology, creative industries, manufacturing, etc. [depending on eligibility]