CBN Issues Guidelines Nigerians Must Meet To Access N75 Billion Youth Investment Fund

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued guidelines for the implementation and disbursement of the proposed N75 billion Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).

The Federal Executive Council had approved the establishment of the fund for three years (2020–2023) to assist the Nigerian youth with much-needed funds for their businesses.

In its framework for the implementation of the scheme published on Wednesday, the apex bank said the fund would be used effectively to respond to the challenge of youths employment in Nigeria.

It said the scheme’s aim is to financially empower Nigeria youth to build successful businesses that can become sustainable employers of labour and generate at least 500,000 jobs between 2020 and 2023.

Nigeria youths with investment inputs required to build successful businesses that can become sustainable employers of labour and contributors to the country’s development.

According to the framework, NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB), the financial institution to manage the scheme, will be funded with an initial take-off seed capital of N12.5 billion.

Criteria

Both informal and formal business enterprises will benefit from the scheme. For individuals or sole proprietors of informal enterprise to be eligible, they must fulfil the following conditions:

(i) Be a youth within the age bracket of 18-35 years.

(ii) Have business/enterprises domiciled and operational in Nigeria.

(iii) Has not been convicted of any financial crime in the last 10 years.

(v) Has a valid Bank Verification Number (BVN)

(vi) Possess Local Government Indigene Certificate.

For the formal business enterprises (Youth Owned Enterprises), that are legal entities duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) these require the following documents;

(i) Evidence of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (Certificate of Incorporation and Form CAC 2A);

(ii) Business questionnaire;

(iii) List of Directors with BVN nos.;

(iv) Evidence of regulatory approvals (where applicable);

(v) Tax Identification Number (TIN).

“Cooperative societies duly registered with the relevant government authorities and members of Commodity Associations that fall within the eligible age bracket are also eligible to participate.”

It, however, said applicants currently enjoying NMFB loans, including the Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) and Agribusiness/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AgSMEIS) loans that remain unpaid ”are not eligible to apply.”

”Also beneficiaries of other government loan schemes that remain unpaid are also not eligible to participate.”

Eligible Activities/Businesses

”Legally allowed activities in the sectors or focal areas listed below shall be eligible:

”Technology/ Innovation; Agriculture and related value chain; Green Economy and Renewable energy sector; Manufacturing, Hospitality/Tourism; Construction; Logistics and supply chain;

Healthcare value chain, Creative sector and Trading and Services.”

It said others may be determined by NYIF/CBN from time to time.

“However, preference shall be given to enterprises that will support the growth of priority sectors, specifically those identified by the Economic and Recovery Growth Plan ERGP and the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan.”

It said individuals with unregistered businesses can get up to N250,000 loan while registered businesses can get up to N3 million (including working capital) with not more than 5 per cent per annum interest rate.

KanyiDaily recalls that Federal Government had also launched a N75 billion survival fund for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) aimed at tackling the economic challenges faced by small businesses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.