Groundbreaking Fund Targets Nigeria’s Neglected Cooperative Sector
Mechanized Agricultural Investment and Services (MAIS), a leading Nigerian agri-tech company, has launched the $5 billion AssuredInvest Cooperative Trust Fund – Africa’s largest cooperative-focused financial vehicle designed to empower farmers, SMEs, and housing cooperatives.
Key Features of the Fund
Capital Pool: $5 billion (Initial phase)
Partners:
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Maistrade Multipurpose Cooperative Society
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Terra Industries
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Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria (CFAN)
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National Agricultural Cooperative Organisation (NACO)
Sectors Covered:
✔ Agriculture (70% allocation)
✔ Affordable Housing
✔ Youth Enterprise Clusters
✔ Small Business Cooperatives
Why This Matters
Untapped Potential: Nigeria’s cooperative sector manages over ₦3 trillion in dormant assets (NACO 2024)
Food Security: Fund will mechanize 500,000+ smallholder farms by 2030
Economic Justice: “Membership equals access, contribution guarantees returns” – Benjamin Aduli, MAIS CVO
Governance & Security
Legal Framework: Operates under Cooperative Law (not securities regulation)
Oversight:
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Trustee Banks (First Bank, Zenith)
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Insurance Underwriters (Leadway, AIICO)
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Cooperative Federations
Unique Model:
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Demand-driven financing
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Member-controlled decision making
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Transparent profit-sharing
Call to Action
How Cooperatives Can Participate:
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Request onboarding kits via [MAIS Portal]
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Submit eligibility documents (Registration, 2-year financials)
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Access tailored financing (3%-7% interest)
First Disbursements: Q4 2025
#CoopRevolution #MAISFund
Expert Reactions
“This bridges the $14B financing gap facing African cooperatives.” – Dr. Adeola Ojo, Agricultural Economist
“Finally, a member-centric alternative to exploitative microfinance.” – Amina Yahaya, National Association of Women Farmers
