The federal government has vowed to clamp down on fake agricultural cooperative societies, with plans underway to reform and revamp the cooperative system for transparency and effectiveness.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made this known at the flag-off of a national training workshop for cooperative stakeholders in the South East and South South, held at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji-River, Enugu State.

He stated that the National Council on Cooperative Affairs would soon convene to foster synergy between federal and state cooperative systems.

“Globally, cooperatives generate $2.4 trillion in turnover. Nigeria must harness this potential to combat hunger and poverty,” the minister said.

He also said the capacity building and development programme is a continuous process in the strategic blueprint for the revitalisation of the cooperative sector in Nigeria, carrying everyone along and letting them know that this government has laid down the political will to empower its citizenry.”

The planned reforms include, review of the Nigerian Cooperative Societies Act (N98 LFN 2004); launch of a new National Policy for Cooperative Development and Growth (2025); establishment of a Cooperative Bank and creation of a National Regulatory Framework and SOPs for cooperative societies.

The Provost of the Cooperative College, Dr Jude Ejikeme, said the training offers a platform for intensive knowledge exchange, emphasising modern cooperative management and economic adaptability.

Highlights included the minister’s tour of the college and the unveiling of new vehicles-one Coaster bus, one 18-seater bus, and two Hilux utility vans-to enhance college operations.