FG Unveils Cooperative Sector Reforms, Says Education Key to Economic Transformation

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Federal Government has identified cooperative education as a critical tool for building a competitive, inclusive and sustainable cooperative sector capable of driving economic empowerment, financial inclusion, food security and national development.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and Supervising Minister for Cooperative Affairs, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made the assertion at the Cooperative Education for Sustainable Economic Development Summit (CESDeS 2026) held in Kaduna, where he outlined the Federal Government’s ambitious reform agenda for the cooperative sector under the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP) 2025–2030.

The position was contained in a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and signed by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head, Department of Information, on June 20, 2026.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Cooperative Education as a Tool for Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development,” Senator Abdullahi said cooperative education remains central to creating a knowledge-driven, technology-enabled and professionally managed cooperative movement capable of competing in the modern economy.

“The theme directly informs the design of the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme, which requires knowledgeable members, visionary leaders and sound governance systems,” the minister said.

He disclosed that cooperative education forms one of the seven strategic pillars of the RH-CRRP 2025–2030 framework, specifically under Capacity Building, Cooperative Education and Human Capital Development.

According to him, the initiative is designed to equip cooperative leaders and members with the necessary skills to manage enterprises efficiently, embrace innovation, strengthen accountability and compete effectively in the digital economy.

The minister urged federal and state cooperative colleges to strengthen their curricula by prioritising cooperative governance, financial management, digital literacy, enterprise development, climate-smart agriculture and technology adoption.

“Cooperative education is key towards creating a knowledge-driven, technology-enabled and professionally managed cooperative sector in line with the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme,” he stated.

FG Unveils Digital Registry, Cooperative Bank

As part of efforts to reposition the sector, Senator Abdullahi unveiled three flagship initiatives that will drive the reform programme.

The first, he said, is the National Cooperative Digital Architecture Platform (NCDAP), which will introduce a National Cooperative Smart Registry, Cooperative Verification Number (CVN) and Cooperative Member Identification Number (CMIN) to enhance transparency and curb fraud within the sector.

The second initiative is the proposed Cooperative Bank of Nigeria, which will be owned by cooperatives and designed to provide affordable credit, mobilise cooperative capital, finance agricultural ventures and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), while expanding financial inclusion nationwide.

The third initiative involves a comprehensive review of the Nigerian Cooperative Societies Act, Cap N98, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to align it with emerging realities such as digital transformation, financial innovations, data protection and contemporary governance standards.

According to the minister, these reforms are aimed at making Nigerian cooperatives globally competitive and better positioned to contribute to national economic development.

Stakeholders Express Confidence in Cooperative Model

Senator Abdullahi also referenced the recent Ministerial Advocacy Tour and Stakeholders’ Engagement in Kaduna, noting that participants from the North-West geopolitical zone reaffirmed their confidence in cooperatives as a vehicle for economic empowerment and sustainable development.

“The engagement with stakeholders reaffirmed confidence in the cooperative model as a pathway for economic empowerment, financial inclusion, food security and sustainable development,” he said.

He encouraged participants at the summit to use the platform to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships and develop practical solutions that would support the successful implementation of the reform programme.

The minister also commended the management of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, led by its Provost, Dr. Awwal Ibrahim Mohammed, for organising the summit, which attracted cooperative leaders, regulators, development partners and directors of cooperatives from across the country.

Cooperative Education Key to Fighting Poverty, Unemployment

In his welcome address, Dr. Mohammed said the summit was organised in response to growing socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, food insecurity and financial exclusion.

According to him, cooperative societies provide people-centred solutions that empower communities and encourage active participation in economic development.

“Cooperatives are member-owned enterprises built on self-help, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity, while education, training and information remain central to their success,” he said.

He further stressed that cooperative education equips members with leadership abilities, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy and governance competencies necessary for sustainable growth.

“Cooperative education builds leadership, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy and governance competencies, enabling cooperatives to drive wealth creation, job generation, food security and rural transformation,” Dr. Mohammed stated.

The Provost highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, to strengthen programmes in cooperative studies, entrepreneurship, digital skills, financial inclusion and capacity development.

He also called for increased adoption of digital transformation, innovation and strategic partnerships to enhance the impact of cooperative institutions across Nigeria.

The summit, organised by the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, in collaboration with Impact Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (IMCOOPS) and the Zaria Local Government Affiliated Cooperative Society Limited, is expected to produce actionable recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s cooperative sector and support sustainable economic development.