Nigeria's Government Reforms Cooperative Sector for Growth

The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to revitalizing the cooperative sector as a major driver of food security and job creation, according to Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security. This announcement was made during the 8th National Council on Cooperative Affairs held in Abuja.

Abdullahi highlighted the cooperative sector's essential role in national development, stating that it serves as the backbone for various sectors, including food production, rural community development, and empowerment of marginalized groups. He pointed out the longstanding challenges facing the sector, such as weak governance, outdated legal frameworks, and inadequate training.

Abdullahi stressed the urgency of reforming the cooperative sector to empower citizens, reduce poverty, and modernize its operations. The government is developing a comprehensive national agenda to address these challenges, which includes regulatory reforms and improved access to finance.

Abdullahi expects the council to adopt a reform blueprint that integrates digital systems and harmonizes reporting standards to support cooperative banks and enhance stakeholder engagement.