1 week ago
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The Federal Government has taken steps to revitalise and reform the Cooperative sector in Nigeria.
Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated this at a technical strategy session on Implementation of Cooperative reform programme in Abuja.
He said the cooperative sector had tremendous potential to drive economic growth, promote social cohesion as well as reduce poverty in the country.
The minister said that the sector was a vibrant one that could also boost food and nutrition security in the country.
“However, we are also aware of the challenges that have hindered its growth, including weak governance, outdated laws and inadequate funding.
”Our mission is to chart a new course for the Cooperative sector, one that is built on the principles of transparency, accountability and inclusivity.
”We aim to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.”
Abdullahi said to achieve the mission, the government has identified some key areas of focus.
According to him, the areas included,review of the final report of the ministerial technical working group on the Cooperative reform and revamp programme.
”We will develop implementation strategies that align with the renewed hope agenda, prioritising the needs of our citizens and promoting economic growth.
”Secondly, we will examine proposals for restructuring the Federal Department of Cooperatives’ divisions and units.
”This will ensure that our institutions are fit for purpose, efficient, and effective in delivering services to our citizens.”
He said that the technical committee on cooperative reform would also discuss strategies for repositioning the Federal Cooperative Colleges in Nigeria.
”Our goal is to ensure that these institutions are equipped to provide high- quality training and education, preparing our youth for the challenges of the 21st century.”
He said that the technical group would work closely with stakeholders, including cooperative societies, private sector operators and civil society organisations.
“Let us work together to create a vibrant and inclusive cooperative sector that benefits all Nigerians,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Idris Sani, director, Federal Department of Cooperatives, said the meeting aimed to reposition the Nigeria cooperative sector through the introduction of reform programmes.
He said this would revitalise the sector and generate income to meet the nation’s socio- economic challenges.
Sani said that Nigeria has great potential for the growth of cooperative societies.
According to him, the sector could create jobs for Nigerians which is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
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