The Federal Government has opened applications for its Waste to Wealth Programme, a nationwide youth empowerment initiative aimed at training and empowering 37,000 young Nigerians to build sustainable careers within the circular economy.
The programme is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of efforts to promote job creation, environmental sustainability and climate action. Interested applicants can register online via on or before 20th December 2025 https://wastetowealth.fmyd.gov.ng.
Designed to transform waste into valuable economic resources, the Waste to Wealth Programme seeks to equip youths with practical skills that will enable them to establish waste-to-wealth enterprises, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reduce environmental pollution and support economic growth.
Data from the programme’s live impact tracker show that more than 33,000 youths have already registered across 37 states, including the Federal Capital Territory. States with the highest number of applicants include Oyo, Rivers, Lagos and the FCT, reflecting strong nationwide participation.
The training covers key areas of the circular economy, including waste recycling (plastics, paper, metal, glass and wood), upscaling and upcycling, renewable energy and community solutions such as solar and biodegradable energy, biomass development, electronic waste recycling, and ecopreneurship. Participants will also receive training in financial literacy, capacity building, reuse and repair, and eco-literacy.
Speaking on the initiative, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the programme as a strategic platform to empower young Nigerians with employable and entrepreneurial skills, while protecting the environment. He noted that a youth-driven circular economy remains critical to building a prosperous and sustainable Nigeria.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, emphasized that the initiative promotes wealth creation by turning waste into income-generating opportunities for youths.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has encouraged eligible youths across the country to take advantage of the open application window and enroll through https://wastetowealth.fmyd.gov.ng, as the programme continues to record growing interest nationwide.
