As part of the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP), the federal government has started strengthening the role of cooperative societies in community wealth creation.
The programme aims to enhance the potential of cooperatives as a key tool for economic growth, poverty reduction, and rural transformation.
Speaking at the event marking the 2nd United Nations International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) at the Shehu Musa Yaradua Center in Abuja, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the critical role cooperatives play in promoting rural development and inclusive economic growth.
Dr. Abdullahi highlighted that cooperatives have a global reach, with over 1 billion members across 100 countries, creating more than 280 million jobs worldwide, which accounts for nearly 10% of the global workforce.
He noted that in Nigeria, cooperatives are playing an essential role in transforming various sectors including agriculture, housing, credit, transportation, and trade.
Currently, there are more than 370,000 registered cooperative societies in the country, engaging millions of members focused on improving rural livelihoods, enhancing agricultural output, and expanding financial inclusion, especially for women and youth.
The Minister outlined the core components of the government’s new program, which includes policy and regulatory reforms to improve the governance and accountability of cooperatives.
It also emphasizes making it easier for cooperatives to operate, introducing digital registration systems at both federal and state levels, and enhancing the capacity of cooperative members and officers.
The program will focus on developing skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and enterprise development, among other key areas.
Dr. Abdullahi also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its clear vision in advancing the cooperative sector. He pointed out that the upcoming National Stakeholders Validation Workshop, scheduled for July 30-31, 2025, in Abuja, will bring together cooperative leaders, development partners, and key stakeholders to finalize input on the programme.
In his address, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, addressed the gathering on the importance of cooperatives.
His message, delivered by Engr. Mohammed Bello, Director II of Agricultural Lands and Climate Change Management Services, highlighted the critical role cooperatives play in boosting food production, improving market access, promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing food security.
