The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revamp Nigeria’s cooperative societies and eliminate fraudulent groups that exploit innocent citizens. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi made this known at the flag-off ceremony of the National Intensive Training Workshop for trustees, management committees and managers of cooperative societies held at the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna.
He emphasised that the era of fake cooperative societies is over, as the government is implementing measures to restore order and credibility. He also announced plans to convene the National Council on Cooperative Affairs, which will enhance synergy, collaboration, and partnerships with state cooperative systems.
According to the minister, the government is serious about overhauling the cooperative sector through a reform and revamp programme under the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. The objective is to restore confidence, revitalise the sector, and re-establish the cooperative movement as a key driver of socio-economic development in Nigeria.
As part of the reform, he stated that the government will amend the Nigeria Cooperative Act to align with global best practices and local realities. A regulatory framework is also being developed to enforce compliance and due diligence in cooperative management. Additionally, a stakeholder mapping and analysis initiative will be conducted to ensure broad participation and representation. The minister noted that human capital development is a crucial component of the reform, with capacity-building programmes designed to equip cooperative leaders with essential skills.
He praised the provosts of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna and the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology, Kano, Dr. Ibrahim Auwal and Dr. Mohammed Gwaram, for initiating the educational reform programme. He also commended the Federal Cooperative Colleges in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Oji-River, Enugu State, for extending the training to the Western and Eastern geopolitical zones, ensuring nationwide inclusion.
In his remarks, Auwal emphasised that the training workshop would equip cooperative leaders with the necessary tools, knowledge and strategies to advance cooperatives and strengthen their communities. He noted that the programme would not only focus on the core principles of cooperative management but also on the critical skills needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in today’s economy.
A statement by the ministry’s director of information, Mrs. Anthonia Eremah highlighted key moments from the event, including the inspection of the cooperative college by the Minister of State and paper presentations by the Provosts of the Federal Cooperative Colleges in Kaduna and Kano. The Federal Government’s reform agenda aims to ensure that cooperative societies regain public trust and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.
