11 Red Flags That Strongly Suggest the Trending NAPEP-gov.ng 2025 Registration Is not legit, but a Scam and what to do Next if you have already paid!
Is the trending NAPEP 2025 recruitment portal real or fake? Many Nigerians have rushed to apply after seeing promises of free vocational training and a ₦100,000 monthly stipend. But after an in-depth investigation, we discovered several troubling signs that strongly suggest this website is fraudulent.
From a suspicious domain name to unauthorized payment demands and lack of any official government announcement, the evidence is overwhelming. Even more concerning is that some major blogs and media outlets in Nigeria are unknowingly amplifying this site, raising the risk of thousands falling victim.
In this article, we highlight 11 major red flags that point to a possible NAPEP 2025 scam — and explain how to protect yourself and others from similar fake empowerment schemes.
Let’s get started…
Read Also: 8 Important Things To Do Next After Submitting Your TVET Application
1. Fake Domain Name: napep-gov.ng
Legitimate Nigerian government websites follow a strict naming convention. They always end with .gov.ng, and typically follow the format: agency.gov.ng. This structure is overseen and approved by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to maintain trust and integrity. For example, the official websites for the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service are firs.gov.ng and immigration.gov.ng respectively.
In contrast, the domain being used for the NAPEP 2025 application is napep-gov.ng, which includes a hyphen and mimics the government format deceptively. This is not a government-approved format. Scammers often register similar-looking domains with hyphens or altered names to confuse users into believing they are visiting an official platform.
A quick look at the real structure of existing Nigerian federal websites shows how out of place napep-gov.ng is. No verified Nigerian agency uses a hyphenated domain to represent government authority. This is a clear attempt to exploit users who may not notice the small but significant difference.
See Also: How to Get Your Workshop Recognized as a TVET Training Center in Nigeria
2. Domain Registered Through a Private Registrar, Not a Government Body
Official Nigerian government domains are registered and approved through specific channels, typically involving government IT departments or the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. These domains are hosted and secured under strict guidelines to protect citizen data and ensure national cybersecurity standards.
The domain napep-gov.ng was registered through a private commercial registrar—Smartweb Nigeria. While Smartweb is a legitimate domain registrar, anyone, including scammers, can register a domain through it. This means that the domain could have been purchased by an individual or group with no affiliation to the government.
In contrast, real government empowerment programs like TVET, NYIF (nyif.nmfb.com.ng) and N-Power (npower.fmhds.gov.ng) are registered and maintained by agencies with direct government oversight. The fact that napep-gov.ng was not registered via official government channels raises questions about the legitimacy of the entire program.
See Also: Top 6 Ongoing Federal Government Vocational Training Programs in Nigeria (2025)
3. Domain Lacks Verification from Federal Government Authorities
When the federal government launches a new empowerment program, there is always some form of verification or public announcement. This usually includes press releases from the Ministry of Information, statements from involved agencies, or listing on the official gov.ng portal directory.
The napep-gov.ng site lacks any such verification. There is no mention of this portal on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs website or the National Orientation Agency platform. Additionally, there has been no formal announcement from the presidency, NITDA, or any federal ministry validating the initiative.
By contrast, real programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer or the TraderMoni loan scheme are officially listed, backed by detailed government statements and even televised launches. The absence of such backing for the NAPEP 2025 website makes its credibility highly doubtful.
See Also: TVET Application Mistakes and How to Fix Them
4. Payment Request for NIN Verification (N765 Fee)
Government programs, especially those meant to support the poor, do not request payment from applicants. In fact, a central principle of most government empowerment schemes is free and equal access. Initiatives like TVET, N-Power, NYIF, and Survival Fund do not require any form of monetary commitment to register or verify your National Identification Number (NIN).
The napep-gov.ng portal, however, demands a payment of ₦765 under the guise of NIN verification. This is an immediate red flag. NINs are verified freely through official government APIs with NIMC (nimc.gov.ng), and no credible program should ever ask beneficiaries to pay for such a basic identity check.
The fact that the fake NAPEP portal prioritizes payment before any confirmation or vetting is further evidence that it is profit-driven, not people-driven. This is a common trait of many online scams disguised as empowerment initiatives.
5. No Official Government Endorsement or Press Release
Legitimate programs are always announced publicly through press conferences, press releases, and inclusion on official websites. These announcements help build trust and confirm the authenticity of the scheme. The launch of TVET, for example, was covered by major media outlets and included statements from high-ranking officials.
In the case of NAPEP 2025, there has been no government statement, no tweet from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, no mention on NTA, and no press release confirming its reactivation. This is especially suspicious because such a massive program—with promises of a ₦100,000 stipend—should have made national headlines.
Compare that to the recent launch of programs like the FG Grant for Nano Businesses, which was accompanied by detailed explanations, links to authentic portals, and verifiable statements from ministers. The silence surrounding NAPEP 2025 is deafening and suspicious.
6. Changing Deadlines to Match Each Month
A hallmark of many scam websites is the use of shifting deadlines to create urgency. Fake schemes often list a deadline that automatically updates each month to give the illusion of an active and time-sensitive opportunity. This is a manipulative trick to pressure users into applying quickly without doing proper research.
Originally, the NAPEP portal claimed a deadline of March 2025. As the months changed, the deadline shifted to April 30th as you seen in this screenshot below.
and then June. This shows that the portal is programmed to stay active and continuously lure new victims.
In contrast, real government programs have fixed deadlines, announced publicly and enforced across all platforms. Once closed, application links are deactivated, and updates are shared through official channels. The ongoing deadline manipulation of napep-gov.ng highlights its deceptive nature.
7. Unrealistic ₦100,000 Monthly Stipend Promise
One of the biggest bait strategies used by scammers is the promise of a huge payout. Most real government programs offer realistic stipends or support grants—for example, TVET pays beneficiaries around ₦45,000 monthly. ₦100,000 per person per month is simply not feasible without a significant federal budget allocation.
The NAPEP portal claims that selected applicants will receive ₦100,000 every month. If even 100,000 people were selected, that would amount to ₦10 billion monthly—an unrealistic sum with no mention in any federal budget or economic recovery plan.
Legit programs clearly outline where funding is coming from. For instance, the COVID-19 Survival Fund was linked to CBN-backed stimulus programs. The lack of such transparency in the NAPEP offer is a warning that this is more likely a NAPEP 100k monthly scam.
8. No Email Verification After Registration
Professional websites, especially government-backed platforms, always include email verification for applicants. This helps to ensure accurate data collection, prevent spam, and secure user accounts. Real sites send a confirmation link which users must click before continuing their registration.
On the NAPEP portal, users can register with an email address but are never asked to verify it. You can proceed to login and pay immediately without confirming your email address. This shows that the platform was built quickly, likely using templated tools meant to gather money fast.
Compare this to the real NYIF or AGSMEIS portals, where email verification is mandatory before you even gain full access. A missing email verification process is often a sign of a poorly constructed or fraudulent website.
9. No Contact or Support Information
Any government platform must provide contact information—emails, phone numbers, office addresses, and sometimes even live chat support. This is important for resolving applicant issues, answering inquiries, and ensuring transparency.
The NAPEP site has no visible contact email, helpline, or physical office details. There is no way to communicate with administrators if you experience issues during registration or payment.
In contrast, real platforms like the CAC registration portal or NASIMS for N-Power offer dedicated support emails and sometimes call centers. The complete absence of support details on napep-gov.ng is a huge red flag for users asking if the NAPEP 2025 registration is legit.
10. Promoted by Blogs Without Verification
One of the reasons this scam is spreading fast is because it’s being published and shared by known blogs and media websites, most of which don’t verify their sources. These blogs copy and paste the so-called “press release” and add SEO-optimized titles like “Apply Now for NAPEP ₦100k Monthly Stipend.”
A credible government program would not need to rely solely on unknown blogs for promotion. It would be shared through government verified platforms like NTA, NOA, and ministerial websites.
While it’s possible some blogs are unknowingly spreading false information, their influence is still causing many to fall victim. Always cross-check any empowerment post on third-party sites with the government’s official website before trusting them.
11. Domain WHOIS Shows Misleading Registration Details
The WHOIS record of the domain claims the registrant is the “National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP)” with an Abuja address. But this information was entered by the domain purchaser and is not verified by any government agency.
Real government domains are registered under verified government departments and can be traced to official IP addresses. They are also reviewed and certified by NITDA or other regulatory bodies. The fact that this domain was registered with unverifiable public-facing data is suspicious.
Moreover, NAPEP as a federal initiative had gone dormant for years, and there has been no public announcement about its revival. The use of WHOIS data to create false legitimacy is common in online fraud. Don’t be fooled.
What to Do If You Already Registered or Paid
If you’ve already submitted your details or made any payment on the fake NAPEP site, don’t panic. You’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and possibly recover your money.
1. Contact Your Bank Immediately:
Report the transaction as fraudulent. Provide them with the payment reference, date, and merchant name. Request a reversal or chargeback if you paid through a debit card or online payment platform. Many banks have fraud desks for such cases.
2. Report to NITDA and EFCC:
Visit the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) website and use their cybersecurity report portal to file a complaint. Additionally, report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) via email at info@efcc.gov.ng or at your nearest branch.
3. Spread the Word and Stay Alert:
Warn your family and friends. Post on social media and share awareness posts like this article. Scams thrive on secrecy and silence, so the more people know, the less victims there’ll be.
How to Verify Real Government Empowerment Programs
To avoid future scams, it’s important to know how to verify genuine government programs. Here are some tips:
| Feature | Real Government Site | Fake Scam Site |
|---|---|---|
| Domain format | Ends in .gov.ng only | Often contains hyphens or mimic formats (e.g., napep-gov.ng) |
| Email confirmation | Yes, mandatory | No verification required |
| Payment request | Free to apply | Charges “processing” or “verification” fees |
| Media coverage | Covered on NTA, FG websites, and press releases | Promoted only by blogs or social posts |
| Program transparency | Provides budget, partners, timeline | Vague or overly ambitious promises like ₦100k monthly stipend |
Before applying, always check:
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs website: https://fmhds.gov.ng
National Orientation Agency (NOA): https://noa.gov.ng
Verified government social media handles
Legit FG program aggregators like https://noya.ng
If the platform doesn’t appear on any of these, it’s likely not real.
FAQs
Q: Is napep-gov.ng a real government site?
No. Despite its appearance, it does not follow proper government domain structure or registration protocols. It is not officially verified.
Q: Can I really get ₦100,000 monthly from NAPEP?
No legitimate federal empowerment program offers ₦100,000 monthly without proper documentation, a verified portal, and government budget support. The claim is too good to be true and likely a scam.
Q: What if I’ve already paid the ₦765?
Report the transaction to your bank and request a refund or reversal. Also report to the EFCC and NITDA.
Q: Why are popular blogs promoting this site?
Some blogs chase traffic and earnings and may unknowingly promote unverified programs. Always confirm from official FG channels.
Final Verdict: Is NAPEP 2025 Legit or a Scam?
Every piece of available evidence — from the suspicious domain and unverifiable registration to unrealistic promises and lack of official FG backing — points to the same conclusion: NAPEP 2025 is not legit.
This is likely a well-coordinated scam exploiting Nigeria’s high unemployment and poverty levels. Even if it’s not stealing your money, it’s capturing your personal data for potential abuse.
So if you’re still asking, “Is NAPEP salary real?” or “Is the NAPEP ₦100k monthly legit?” — the answer is no. Protect yourself and your loved ones.
Share and Protect Others
You can help stop this scam by raising awareness:
- Share this article in WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and youth forums
- Warn your friends, classmates, and church/mosque groups
- Tag news platforms asking them to stop amplifying fake programs
When more people are informed, fewer will fall victim to scams like this. Together, we can stop the fake NAPEP promises from ruining more lives.
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