The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has reaffirmed its readiness to revitalise the Cooperative Sector as it would drive economic growth, promote social cohesion, enhance food security as well as reduce poverty in Nigeria
Speaking during the Technical Strategy Session on the Implementation of the Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme held in Abuja, recently, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi stated that there is a need to chart a new course for the cooperative sector, built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
The Minister outlined key areas of focus, including the review of the final report from the Ministerial Technical Working Group on cooperative reform. He added that the implementation strategies developed would be in line with the President’s vision of building a US$1 trillion economy.
He stated that the global impact of cooperatives and its combined asset base worldwide is valued at approximately US$19.6 trillion while generating an annual revenue of US$2.98 trillion. Abdullahi stated that there is a plan for restructuring the Federal Department of Cooperatives, enhancing institutions such as the Federal Cooperative Colleges and the National Centre for Cooperative Development.
According to him, ‘’the goal is to equip these institutions to provide high-quality training and prepare Nigerian youths for a modern, people-centric cooperative movement’’, the minister added. He also underscored the importance of collaboration, calling for partnerships with private sector operators, civil society organizations, and cooperative societies across different categories.
Revitalising Nigeria's cooperative sector
The Minister outlined key areas of focus, including the review of the final report from the Ministerial Technical Working Group on cooperative reform. (Image source:
