Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on the Federal Government to prioritise the revitalisation of cooperative societies as a means of boosting Nigeria’s agricultural sector and economy.
This appeal was made during a roundtable discussion held yesterday at the Nigeria Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja. The event, which brought together key stakeholders including the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, focused on the relevance of cooperative skills in driving agricultural and economic development.
In his opening remarks, the national coordinator of the Restore Nigeria Integrity Initiative, Comrade Itsede Victor, underscored the untapped potential of cooperative societies to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The poor orientation and abandonment of cooperatives have discouraged the cultivation of key crops such as cocoa, peanuts, and groundnuts. This trend has forced many young people to migrate to urban areas in search of white-collar jobs,” Itsede stated.
He further stressed that well-managed cooperative societies could create markets for agricultural produce, attract grants, and provide skill development opportunities for members. To address challenges in the sector, he proposed the revival of local marketing boards to regulate prices and protect both farmers and consumers.
Reflecting on history, Itsede lamented the decline of cooperative societies, which once drove Nigeria’s economic successes, such as the groundnut pyramids and the cocoa boom. “Their fading relevance is a setback for our economic development,” he said.
Chairman of the Green Alliance Farmers Cooperative Society, Ogakwu Dominic, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of cooperatives in empowering farmers and fostering rural development.
Ogakwu noted that the challenges facing cooperatives, such as limited access to finance, markets, and technology, require urgent attention from stakeholders.
He called for increased collaboration, policy advocacy, and support from the government, private sector, and NGOs to ensure the sustainability of cooperative initiatives.
The event concluded with a consensus among participants on the need for collective action and innovative strategies to revitalise cooperative societies and maximise their potential in contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural and economic growth.
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