The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has officially opened applications for the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Change, widely known as the Waste to Wealth , Waste to Energy Programme. This nationwide programme is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills that turn waste into income, while also supporting environmental protection and job creation across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

For many Nigerian youths searching for free government training with business funding, this initiative provides a rare opportunity to learn, earn, and contribute to community development at the same time.

Nigeria produces thousands of tons of waste daily, from plastic bottles and food leftovers to metal scraps and used tyres. While most of this waste ends up in open dumps, drainage systems, and landfills, a growing number of young Nigerians are discovering that waste can be turned into a steady source of income. From Aba to Ibadan, and from Port Harcourt to Kano, youth-led recycling and waste processing businesses are quietly creating jobs and solving environmental problems at the same time.

Unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian youth today. Many graduates and school leavers struggle to find stable jobs even after years of education. At the same time, cities continue to battle flooding, pollution, blocked drainage systems, and unhealthy environments caused by unmanaged waste. This double challenge of joblessness and environmental damage is exactly what the Federal Government is addressing through the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme.

The Waste to Wealth Initiative gives young Nigerians the chance to learn practical skills in waste recycling, renewable energy, upcycling, biomass, and eco-friendly business development. Instead of relying solely on government jobs, participants are trained to build their own waste-to-wealth businesses that can generate income and create employment in their communities.

For youths searching for government empowerment programmes that offer free training and start-up support, the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme presents a practical opportunity. It combines skills acquisition, financial support, and real business potential in a sector that will remain relevant for decades.

About the Waste to Wealth Initiative

The Waste to Wealth Initiative is a Federal Government programme created to empower Nigerian youth to become self-reliant entrepreneurs through waste management, recycling, and renewable energy solutions. The programme is implemented under the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of national efforts to grow youth-led enterprises, promote environmental safety, and reduce unemployment.

Through this initiative, participants are trained to build viable businesses that convert waste into useful products and energy. Beyond income generation, the programme supports Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals, helps to reduce pollution, and promotes cleaner and healthier communities.

The initiative also plays a strong role in Nigeria’s climate response by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving sanitation, and encouraging responsible waste practices at the household and community levels.

 

Objectives of the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme

The Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative is built around several national priorities:

• Skills Development: Training youths in waste sorting, recycling, reuse, and proper waste handling

• Job Creation: Turning participants into business owners and employers

• Environmental Protection: Reducing landfill waste, air pollution, and flooding

• Community Development: Encouraging cleaner streets and household waste separation

• Climate Action: Supporting climate change mitigation through sustainable waste practices

• Renewable Energy Expansion: Promoting energy generation from waste in rural and urban areas

• Economic Growth: Using circular economy ventures to strengthen local economies

 

HOW WASTE TO WEALTH WORKS IN REAL LIFE

Waste to wealth is not a foreign idea. It already exists in many Nigerian communities, although most people practice it informally. The programme simply formalizes and scales what people are already doing at a local level.

In Aba, some youths collect plastic bottles from streets and drainage channels, sell them to recycling companies, and make daily income. In Lagos, used tyres are being converted into chairs, school sandals, playground materials, and flower pots. In Ogun State, organic waste from farms is processed into compost fertilizer and sold to farmers. In the North, agricultural waste is already being turned into fuel briquettes for cooking.

The FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme helps participants move from informal waste activities into structured businesses. Trainees will be shown how to collect waste legally, process it safely, add value to it, brand their products, and sell to companies and end users. Instead of just scavenging, participants will learn how to build registered businesses that can attract partnerships and funding.

FMYD Training Areas and Courses

Participants will receive hands-on training in key areas of the circular economy, including:

1. Waste Recycling

Training covers how to collect, sort, and process recyclable materials such as plastics, metals, and paper.

2. Upscaling and Upcycling

Participants learn how to convert waste into higher-value products such as furniture, crafts, construction materials, and home accessories.

3. Energy and Community Renewable Solutions

Training focuses on producing clean energy from waste and supporting small community energy projects.

4. Ecopreneurship

This section teaches business planning, marketing, customer management, and financial record keeping for eco-friendly enterprises.

5. Biomass

Participants learn how to convert organic waste into useful products and energy such as briquettes and biofuel.

6. Electronic Waste

This covers safe handling and recycling of electronic devices such as phones, computers, and cables.

Each training field combines technical skills with business knowledge to help participants run profitable waste-to-wealth ventures.

Start-up Capital for Programme Participants

One of the major attractions of the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme is start-up funding. After successfully completing the training, selected participants receive financial support to launch their waste-to-wealth businesses.

This funding allows beneficiaries to:

• Buy basic equipment

• Secure workspace

• Start operations immediately

• Begin earning without waiting for loans

The goal is to move participants directly from training into business ownership.

HOW THE START-UP CAPITAL WILL LIKELY BE DISBURSED

The start-up capital under the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme is expected to be released only after participants successfully complete their training. In most government empowerment programmes, financial support is tied to performance, attendance, and verification.

Beneficiaries may receive support in different forms, which can include:

• Direct cash grants to support business launch
• Equipment support such as recycling tools and machines
• Business starter packs
• Raw material support

In some cases, beneficiaries may be required to submit a simple business proposal showing how they intend to use the funds. Monitoring and follow-up may also be conducted to ensure the funds are used for the intended purpose.

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To participate in the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme, applicants are expected to meet basic eligibility conditions. These requirements help the programme select individuals who are ready to complete the training and establish viable businesses afterward.

Typical eligibility expectations include:

1. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens
2. Applicants must be youths willing to learn practical business skills
3. Applicants should be physically able to participate in training and fieldwork
4. Applicants must have a valid means of identification such as NIN
5. Applicants must be available for the full duration of the training programme
6. Applicants must be willing to operate their business within Nigeria
7. Applicants must have a working phone number and internet access for communication

Formal education is helpful but not always compulsory. What matters most is commitment, interest in environmental solutions, and readiness to build a business

 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION

Before applying on the official Waste to Wealth portal, applicants should prepare the following documents and information:

• National Identification Number NIN
• Recent passport photograph
• Valid phone number
• Active email address
• State and local government details
• Educational certificate if available
• Means of identification such as voter’s card or national ID
• Basic personal information including date of birth and address

Supplying accurate information during registration is very important because all submitted details may be verified before training and financial support are released.

 

Who Should Apply for the Waste to Wealth Initiative

Applications are open to:

• Young Nigerians interested in waste management and recycling

• Existing small business owners looking to expand into eco-friendly ventures

• Entrepreneurs seeking new business ideas

• Environmental enthusiasts passionate about sustainability

• Job seekers who want skills that lead to self-employment

No special technical background is required. What matters most is interest, commitment, and willingness to learn.

Programme Coverage Across Nigeria

The programme operates nationwide across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This allows youths from rural, urban, and semi-urban communities to benefit equally.

Training locations and implementations are structured to ensure nationwide participation and fair access.

Benefits of the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme

Participants enjoy several long-term benefits, including:

• Free practical training

• Start-up capital after training

• Business and entrepreneurship knowledge

• Income generation opportunities

• Environmental protection contribution

• Job creation potential

• Participation in a nationally recognized empowerment programme

Beyond personal income, beneficiaries help reduce pollution and support safer, cleaner neighborhoods.

WASTE TO WEALTH BUSINESS IDEAS YOU CAN START

After completing the Waste to Wealth training, participants will be equipped to start several profitable businesses. Some of the most practical waste-to-wealth business ideas in Nigeria include:

• Plastic bottle collection and resale
• Plastic recycling into construction materials
• Tyre recycling into furniture and fashion items
• Compost fertilizer production from organic waste
• Scrap metal processing and resale
• E-waste dismantling and material recovery
• Production of fuel briquettes from sawdust and farm waste
• Upcycled crafts for local and export markets

 

These businesses do not require huge capital to begin but can grow into full enterprises that employ other youths over time.

 

Environmental and Social Impact of the Programme

The Waste to Wealth Initiative directly tackles major environmental challenges in Nigeria:

• Climate Change Mitigation: Reduced carbon emissions

• Pollution Control: Cleaner air and surroundings

• Waste Reduction: Less landfill pressure

• Flood Prevention: Improved drainage systems

• Sanitation Improvement: Cleaner streets and homes

• Waste Segregation Promotion: Encouraging household sorting

• Renewable Energy Access: Clean energy for communities

These benefits extend beyond individuals to entire communities.

How to Apply for the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme

All applications are done through the official portal:

Application Portal:
https://wastetowealth.fmyd.gov.ng

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Visit the official portal

2. Complete the online registration form

3. Enter accurate personal details

4. Provide information about your interest in waste management

5. Submit the application

6. Wait for selection notification

Applicants are advised to use only the official website to avoid fraud.

About the Federal Ministry of Youth Development

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development oversees national youth empowerment and skills development programmes in Nigeria. It is led by a Minister appointed by the President and supported by a Permanent Secretary and technical officers.

The Ministry manages youth-focused initiatives across Nigeria aimed at employment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and skills acquisition.

Application Deadline for the FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme

The application deadline has not yet been officially announced. Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out when the selection process begins.

Summary

The FMYD Waste to Wealth Programme offers a rare chance for Nigerian youths to gain practical skills, business funding, and national recognition in the growing green economy. With rising unemployment and environmental challenges, this programme provides both economic relief and long-term sustainability.

If you are passionate about building a future through innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, this programme is a strong opportunity to explore.