Some beneficiaries of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) have received a text message from Keystone Bank asking them to visit a branch to regularise their accounts. The Keystone Bank YEIDEP SMS notification has raised questions, especially among people who say they already completed verification. This guide explains what has been reported, what you should and should not do, and how to protect yourself from scams.
What the SMS Says
According to screenshots reported by Nigeria Startup News, the text carries the heading “YEIDEP Account” and tells the recipient to visit any Keystone Bank branch with a valid ID to regularise their account and complete the required documentation. The message does not specify a deadline or list the documents needed. A later report on 19 October 2026 quoted it as: “YEIDEP Account: Dear Customer, please visit any Keystone Bank branch with a valid ID to regularize your account and complete the required documentation.”
Keystone Bank has previously confirmed that it is involved in YEIDEP, and it is one of the programme’s partner banks. I could not find a statement from the bank or from YEIDEP that specifically confirms this SMS, so treat it with care until you verify it through official channels.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) |
| Coordinated by | Federal Ministry of Youth Development |
| Bank involved | Keystone Bank (one of the partner banks) |
| Message heading | “YEIDEP Account” |
| Instruction | Visit any Keystone Bank branch with a valid ID |
| Deadline stated | None |
| Documents listed in the SMS | None, other than a valid ID |
What Is YEIDEP?
YEIDEP is a Federal Government programme, led by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, that aims to reduce youth unemployment and vulnerability to radicalisation through entrepreneurship and economic support. It was formerly known as NIYEEDEP. Programme officials have said the scheme has partnered with 12 commercial banks, including Keystone Bank, and that millions of accounts have been created for beneficiaries.
Various websites have reported grants of ₦50,000 to ₦500,000 under the programme’s Batch B. I did not find an official confirmation of those amounts or of when any payment will be made, so treat those figures as unconfirmed.
What Beneficiaries Are Reporting
Some beneficiaries have started going to Keystone Bank branches. One, Baba Kawu, said he went to a branch in Bida, Niger State, and was reportedly told that his account had been opened by phone and that he should open another account with a different number. Other applicants say the distance to a branch and transport costs are hurdles. People who say they already submitted their details have asked why a visit is still needed.
These are individual accounts and are not a statement of bank policy. The reports say no confirmed update has been given about similar requests from YEIDEP’s other partner banks.
Documents Applicants Say They Were Asked For
Applicants reported being asked for the following. Requirements may vary, so confirm with the bank before you travel:
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- One passport photograph
- A utility bill
- Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- Account number
- A valid means of identification
How to Verify the Message and Update Your Account Safely
- Do not reply to the SMS or click any link in it. The reported message contains no link, and a genuine instruction to visit a branch does not need one.
- Contact Keystone Bank through official channels first. Use the customer-care numbers on its website or on your account documents, not numbers sent in a text message.
- Ask staff at a branch what is outstanding. Take a valid ID and ask them to confirm any missing documentation on your account.
- Do not open a new account or change your account details until Keystone Bank confirms in writing or in person what is needed, so that you do not create duplicate accounts.
- Keep your YEIDEP registration details and any code you received, since they may help staff trace your record.
Scam Warning
Fraudsters often copy real programmes. Keystone Bank advises customers never to disclose their PIN, password, one-time password (OTP) or full card details. Be careful of anyone who:
- Asks you to pay a fee to “unlock” or “approve” a grant.
- Asks for your OTP, PIN or BVN over the phone or WhatsApp.
- Sends a link asking you to verify your account online.
- Claims to be a YEIDEP agent and offers faster payment.
No genuine bank or government programme needs your PIN or OTP.
What We Still Don’t Know
- Whether the SMS has been sent to all Keystone-linked YEIDEP beneficiaries or only some.
- Whether there is a deadline for visiting the bank.
- Whether other partner banks will send similar messages.
- When grant payments, if any, are due.
We will update this article if Keystone Bank or the YEIDEP secretariat clarifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Keystone Bank YEIDEP SMS real?
Keystone Bank is a confirmed YEIDEP partner, and the message has been reported by beneficiaries. I found no official bank statement on this exact text, so verify through official channels.
Is there a deadline?
The message does not give one.
What should I carry to the branch?
A valid ID. Applicants also report being asked for NIN, BVN, a passport photograph, a utility bill and an account number, but confirm first.
Should I open a new account?
Not until the bank confirms it is necessary.
Is there a fee?
None is mentioned. Do not pay anyone to regularise your account.
Where can I get official information?
Contact Keystone Bank’s customer care or visit a branch, and check the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and YEIDEP’s official channels.
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