The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to revitalising Nigeria’s cooperative sector as a key driver of job creation, food security, and inclusive economic growth.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, announced this during the 8th National Council on Cooperative Affairs held in Abuja on Thursday.
The minister highlighted the vital role of cooperatives in national development, stating, “The Place of Cooperatives in the Renewed Hope Agenda cannot be overemphasised. Cooperatives remain one of Nigeria’s most powerful people-driven economic engines.”
He explained that cooperatives underpin essential sectors such as food production and distribution, rural and community development, housing, microfinance systems, transportation, market organisation, as well as youth, persons with disabilities, and women empowerment, alongside MSME sustainability.
Abdullahi added, “In essence, no sector touches the everyday lives of Nigerians more directly than the cooperative ecosystem. The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises this, which is why the Federal Government has prioritised cooperative revitalisation as a major pillar in achieving food security, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.”
However, he noted the sector’s long-standing challenges, asking, “You might want to ask, why must we revitalise the sector now? Despite its enormous potential, the cooperative sector has for years struggled.”
He identified key obstacles, including weak governance, outdated legal frameworks, poor data, underfunding, limited digital adoption, fragmented operations, inadequate training, and a lack of inclusive development approaches.
Stressing the urgency of reform, the minister said, “If Nigeria must feed itself, empower its citizens, reduce poverty, and expand prosperity, then revamping and modernising the cooperative sector is not optional, it is urgent and non-negotiable.”
To tackle these issues, Abdullahi revealed that the government has launched the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme. He stated, “In response to these challenges, the Ministry has developed the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme, a comprehensive national agenda designed to reposition the cooperative sector for the 21st century.”
The programme focuses on governance and regulatory reforms, institutional strengthening, digitalisation, improved access to finance, enterprise development, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability frameworks.
Highlighting achievements so far, he said, “Over the nearly three years since we assumed office, we have recorded significant progress on the area of the Cooperative reform and revamp programme, notwithstanding the challenges faced.”
He further noted, “A lot has been done and put in place in preparation for this NCCA by the Federal Department of Cooperatives for adoption and approvals of the policy direction for the sector.”
Regarding the council’s expectations, Abdullahi said, “The Expectations from this Council Meeting are very demanding, as this 8th NCCA provides an opportunity to:”
He explained that the meeting would allow stakeholders to adopt the reform blueprint, integrate digital systems, harmonise reporting standards, support the Cooperative Bank initiative, strengthen state departments, and endorse a national action plan.
Stressing collective responsibility, the minister added, “Revitalising the cooperative sector is a collective responsibility.” He concluded, “Let us engage constructively and collaboratively to produce resolutions that will transform the lives of millions of Nigerians who depend on cooperatives for their livelihoods, dignity, and economic mobility.”
