FG launches circular economy youth empowerment initiative to tackle unemployment, climate change

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

The Federal Government has introduced a new scheme, the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI), aimed at reducing unemployment, boosting economic growth, and addressing climate change through innovative waste-to-wealth solutions.

The programme, unveiled in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with SAMU Technology and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), is built around the flagship Waste to Wealth Project. The project will equip young Nigerians with practical skills, mentorship, and access to green technologies while creating opportunities for them to convert waste into valuable eco-friendly products.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as “a landmark achievement” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This programme goes beyond job creation. It is about raising a new generation of Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and nation-builders. Through CEYEI, our young people will gain skills and access to markets that will make them active players in the circular economy,” Olawande said.

He added that an online platform has also been launched to enable registration, networking, investment access, and market expansion for participants.

The Minister further outlined complementary projects of the ministry, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) for youth protection and training, ongoing digital literacy programmes in partnership with NITDA, and YO! Health, a mental health and wellness hub. He also announced the Youth Cred Scheme in partnership with Credit Core, which will expand access to loans for young Nigerians and lay the groundwork for a Youth Bank, MSME Incubator, and National Innovation Hub.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Yusuf Sununu, called on stakeholders to support youth-led initiatives in the waste management sector. He stressed that such efforts could help address Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis, which affects more than 3 million people, while contributing to poverty reduction and resilience building.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, said CEYEI is designed to “harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youth by turning discarded materials into sustainable livelihoods.”

Also speaking, Blessing Ekwere, representing the President of RAN, described the initiative as proof of Nigeria’s resolve to make its youth not just beneficiaries of development but also drivers of national change.

According to her, “By reducing waste, reusing resources, and promoting recycling, CEYEI will cut emissions, grow the circular economy, and empower young Nigerians to take the lead in climate action.”

The programme is expected to be implemented across all 36 states and the 774 local government areas, with the ministry assuring that inclusivity will be central to its rollout, ensuring equal opportunities for young people regardless of region or background.