By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja launched the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Action, called “Waste-to-Wealth”, a transformative programme designed to empower Nigerian youth, create sustainable jobs, and tackle environmental degradation.
The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who said the project directly advances President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, the programme aims at two critical goals: creating sustainable and decent jobs for Nigerian youth, and combating environmental damage in line with the Climate Change Act 2021, the Paris Agreement, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our vision is to turn waste into useful, eco-friendly resources through the circular economy,” Olawande said. “With training, access to green technology, mentorship and market support, our youth will not only thrive as job creators but also become environmental stewards driving innovation and progress.”
The minister also disclosed plans to establish a Youth Bank, MSME incubators, and innovation hubs, as well as ongoing reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to reflect contemporary realities and youth aspirations.
The event drew participation from top government officials, heads of agencies, development partners, private sector leaders and international organizations, all pledging their support for the initiative.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, described the programme as a dual intervention tackling unemployment and environmental risks. “Recycling non-biodegradable waste reduces flooding, protects communities, and at the same time provides livelihoods for displaced and vulnerable Nigerians,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration with development partners to sustain the effort.
Professor Innocent Barikor, representing the Director-General of NESREA, hailed the project as “a movement that insists waste must no longer be wasted but transformed into wealth.” He announced that Nigeria is developing a National Waste Marketplace, a digital platform to connect waste generators, collectors, recyclers and industries nationwide, creating fresh opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, described the launch as “a defining moment in our collective journey towards a sustainable, youth-driven economy,” while the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) pledged to align its civic and leadership programmes with the initiative.
Development partners also rallied behind the project. Representing the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ms. Aisha Daihiro stressed that climate change was a growing driver of human displacement globally and lauded the initiative for linking climate action to youth empowerment. “By connecting climate resilience with livelihood opportunities, Nigeria is building a pathway where young people can succeed in their own country,” she said.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), through its representative, noted that the programme aligns with Nigeria’s technological future. Highlighting its renewable energy industrial parks, zero-carbon initiatives, and clean mobility projects, NASENI pledged to support youth with green technology training and access to new industries.
Private sector players also threw their weight behind the initiative. Samu Technology, a youth-led recycling company, described the programme as “not just about recycling materials but about recycling hope, opportunity and possibility.” The company urged business leaders to invest directly in youth-led circular economy enterprises.
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In a goodwill message, a representative of OANDO a leading oil and gas foundation acknowledged the gap in youth unemployment but stressed that the green economy could add millions of jobs by 2030. The foundation revealed that it has already launched a youth upskilling and seed grant programme to align with government efforts.
As the event closed, stakeholders agreed that the Waste-to-Wealth initiative represents a new chapter in Nigeria’s quest for sustainability, youth empowerment and climate resilience. With government, private sector and development partners working together, the programme is expected to expand across Nigeria’s 774 local governments, providing young people with opportunities to innovate, create jobs and lead the nation’s transition into a green and circular economy.
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