The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reforming Nigeria’s cooperative sector to drive job creation, improve food security, and support inclusive economic growth.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, made this known during the 8th National Council on Cooperative Affairs in Abuja.
According to Abdullahi, cooperatives play a vital role in national development. He described them as one of Nigeria’s most powerful people-driven economic systems.
He explained that cooperatives support critical sectors such as food production, rural development, housing, microfinance, transportation, and small business growth.
“Cooperatives remain one of Nigeria’s most powerful people-driven economic engines,” he said.
Furthermore, the minister linked the reform to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the government considers cooperative revitalisation a key strategy for tackling poverty, empowering citizens, and strengthening the economy.
“No sector touches the everyday lives of Nigerians more directly than the cooperative ecosystem,” Abdullahi added.
However, Abdullahi acknowledged that the sector faces long-standing challenges.
He said issues such as weak governance, outdated laws, poor data systems, underfunding, and limited digital adoption have slowed growth.
In addition, fragmented operations and lack of proper training continue to affect performance.
Therefore, the minister stressed that reforming the sector is both urgent and necessary.
He warned that Nigeria cannot achieve food security or economic stability without modernising cooperatives.
“Revamping and modernising the cooperative sector is not optional, it is urgent and non-negotiable,” he said.
In response, the government has introduced the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme.
The initiative focuses on improving governance, strengthening institutions, expanding digital systems, and increasing access to finance.
It also aims to promote enterprise development, enhance stakeholder engagement, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, Abdullahi noted that the government has already made progress in implementing reforms over the past three years.
He explained that the council meeting will help stakeholders adopt a clear policy direction and action plan.
The meeting will also support digital integration, improve reporting systems, and strengthen cooperative institutions nationwide.
Finally, the minister called on stakeholders to work together to achieve the reform goals.
He emphasised that transforming the cooperative sector requires collaboration across all levels.
“Revitalising the cooperative sector is a collective responsibility,” he said.
The reform push signals a major effort to reposition cooperatives as drivers of economic growth in Nigeria.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could expand job opportunities, improve food supply, and strengthen livelihoods across the country.
