The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, has highlighted the crucial role of the cooperative sector in revitalising Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the launch of a national intensive training workshop for trustees and management committees of cooperative societies, Abdullahi highlighted the sector’s transformative potential.
The workshop, held at the Federal Cooperative College in Kaduna, aims to equip cooperative leaders with essential management and leadership skills to enhance operational efficiency. The minister underscored that beyond driving economic growth, cooperatives play a pivotal role in fostering social development and empowering communities.
“According to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), over 12% of the global population is engaged in one of the 3 million cooperatives worldwide,” he stated. “Cooperatives are essential for sustainable economic growth, providing stable employment and work opportunities for 280 million people, accounting for about 10% of the world’s workforce.”
He drew attention to data from the World Cooperative Monitor (2023), which reveals that the largest 300 cooperatives and mutuals generate an impressive total turnover of $2.4 trillion globally. Abdullahi linked this data to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which acknowledges the pivotal role of cooperative societies in driving both economic and community progress.
“The Renewed Hope Administration is committed to reforming and revitalising the cooperative sector, a promise made during the campaign that we are actively fulfilling,” he asserted. “We are dedicated to providing capacity-building and development opportunities for cooperative society leaders and managers across all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory. The launch of this training is a testament to our commitment.”
In his opening remarks, the Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Ibrahim Awwal, highlighted the critical importance of effective cooperative management, emphasising that well-managed cooperatives can significantly impact the nation’s economy. He reiterated the college’s role in fostering a robust cooperative sector as the country aims to unleash the vast economic potential hidden within cooperative societies.
“As Nigeria navigates its economic challenges, the focus on strengthening the cooperative sector could prove to be a vital strategy in fostering sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.”
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