The Cooperative Federation of Nigeria has emphasised the need for more collaboration with the federal government in the quest to enhance the country’s economy.
The cooperative organisations said they were willing to partner the administration in its stride to drive sustainable growth.
President of the federation, Ayeola Oriyomi, while briefing reporters yesterday in Abuja ahead of the International Cooperative Day, said cooperative remains a veritable tool for driving sustainable programmes globally.
Oriyomi appealed to the Federal Government to overhaul the co-operative societies Act to enable it operate with current realities in the sector.
He noted that the event with the theme: “Cooperatives for Sustainable Development ‘, would highlight the contributions of cooperatives to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) around the world.
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He however called on the government to pay adequate attention to the cooperative sector by using the existing platforms for the implementation of their socio-economic programmes for sustainable and better welfare of the Nigerian people.
He said: “With over 20 million co-operative members across the country, we are willing to partner with the current administration in its stride to drive sustainable growth for our dear country particularly in the wake of the government’s plan to roll out palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.
“In Nigeria, cooperatives are in practically all spheres of human endeavour and all nooks and crannies of our rural and urban areas. Cooperative operations cover agriculture, health, transportation, manufacturing, production, housing and the most widely known, provision of affordable credit facilities for members.”
“Through their inclusive and participatory approach, cooperatives empower individuals, promote economic resilience, and contribute to the achievements of the SDGs. Together, we can forge stronger partnerships to address the world’s most pressing challenges and create a better world for generations to come.”