By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
Over 3000 cooperative societies in Niger state have successfully empowered members with affordable loans, agricultural incentives and business expansions for self reliance and poverty alleviation.
The President of the Niger State Cooperative Federation (NISCOFED) Comrade Labaran Garba stated this at the weekend during the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives celebration in Minna.
He said, ” In Niger state, Cooperative societies continue to play a critical role in supporting farmers, traders, artisans, civil servants and other groups. Through collective action and mutual support, our members have demonstrated that cooperation remains one of the most effective instruments for economic empowerment and community development. Many Cooperative societies across the state have successfully assisted members in accessing affordable loans. This achievements have contributed significantly to improving livelihoods and promoting social cohesion among our people “.
He explained that inadequate access to finance, limited Cooperative education awareness and non remittance of funds deducted from civil servants by government have been major impediment to success of Cooperative Societies in the state.
Comrade Garba commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation, economic development and citizens employment, adding that, ” in recognition of this, NISCOFED has conferred the award of Grand Patron of NISCOFED on farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the investiture would be done in due course “.
While calling on all cooperative societies in the state to remain steadfast in advancing the values and principles of cooperation, Comrade Garba stressed the need for them to contribute meaningfully to peace, social harmony and sustainable development of the state and the country in general.
According to him, ” let us build bridges where others see divisions, create opportunities where others see limitations, foster hope others experience despair. Together we can build communities where peace prevail, opportunities abound and every individual has the chance to live with dignity, security and hope “.
