ABSTRACT

This research work was designed to see “An assessment of problems and prospects of cooperative societies in Nigeria” as a case study of some selected cooperative society in Nigeria, oral interview were carried out, several book were consulted and also, finding of registered cooperative societies and number of their members were carried out from the findings, it revealed that those areas with cooperative societies gain more government attention than those without cooperative societies. The study reveals that for a government to achieve all round development empowering cooperative societies should be given utmost attention.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Cooperative society is as old as man. As man and societies are not static but change with social, economic cultured and political happenings. Cooperative society is also dynamic both in practical and theory.

In the traditional societies, cooperation is reduced to custom and enforced by the authority of the elders. People join hands to do their domestic and community works. People also contribute money at a given period given it to their members in turn as a form of credit that is Isusu.

In the traditional societies, cooperation is informal not permanent, not registered, no by-law etc. On the other hand, modern cooperatives are formal organizations, registered, based on sound principles and written records, etc. The world’s first successful and authentic cooperative shop known as the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers which was established in Rochdale in 1844 was registered under the friendly societies AC on 28th October, 1844 but the shop did not open for business until 21st December 1844.

The idea was introduced due to harsh time and depressed economic condition for people to from themselves into cooperative societies so as to work jointly to improve their standard of living.

The genesis of cooperative societies present day Nigeria can be traced to (1992) when the first producer of cooperative society was formed to provide cocoa farmers are common in Nigeria, the societies have not been successful due to some problems peculiar to them.

This concern by the country as a whole, it was resolved to conduct a research on problems and prospects of cooperative societies in Nigeria.

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In considering the statement of the problem the following issue readily come to mind:

1. Firstly, can any competent person become a member of a society at any time? is the viability of the members is unlimited
2. Secondly, does the government encourages and supports the formation of cooperative society at any time? Is the liability of the members unlimited
3. Thirdly, does the government encourages and supports the formation of cooperative societies by providing subsidies and exemptions?
4. Fourthly, can it exist for long due to a legal entity separate from its members?
5. Lastly, can it be managed by one person only?

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

As earlier stated in the background of the study that cooperative societies in Nigeria have not recorded success due to problems peculiar to the societies, it is therefore the main aim of this study to identify problems and prospects of cooperative society in Nigeria.

1. The study attempts to identify problems faced by cooperative societies in Abuja and possible ways of solving the problems or ameliorate them.
2. The work also intend to find out ways cooperative societies can be managed in order to have positive effect on the economy.

• The work also find ways and manner members of cooperative movement can be properly educated about membership for onward development of the society.

1. It is also helped to find ways of survival for the falling cooperative societies in Nigeria.
2. It is hoped that the problems and prospects of cooperative societies in Nigeria will be highlighted as the study unfold.

1.4     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The finding will improve one’s’ understanding on an assessment of problems and prospects of cooperative societies in Nigeria with a view of making recommendation to improve the situation.

This study will also serve as reference point for managers and students in improving performance of their societies.

1.5     RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

These procedures for accomplishing the research problem which was gotten from the theoretical and practical prospective of cooperative society in Nigeria.

1.6     RESEARCH QUESTION

In order to provide solution to the problems under investigation the following questions are to be solved in the study.

1. Would lack of capital prevent the growth and development of cooperative society?
2. Is it difficult to recover loans granted to members of cooperative society?

• Doe government regulation affect the growth of cooperative movement?

1. To what extent does adverse economic conditions in the country affect cooperative movement?
2. To what extent members benefit from government financial assistance?
3. Does cooperative movement boost production in the economy?

1.7     STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS

The statement of hypothesis is just the related problem in research. They a guess statement of relationship between variables.

Hi: Cooperative movement has significant effect on economic in Nigeria.

Ho: cooperative movement has no significant effect on economic in Nigeria.

1.8     SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The research study is to provide us with the basic concept of problems and prospects of cooperative societies in Nigerian and what is limited Gwagwalada area council Abuja.

1.9     LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

          The constrain of this study can be seen below:

1. Money: There is no adequate and sufficient fund as at when needed for the researcher to meet the set objectives.
2. Time: Is another factors that is against earlier completion of this research work. The time set for the research work compiled with other assignment to be executed simultaneously was adequate.
3. Insufficient library and book facilities in the school
4. Some people are not ready to give useful information and assistance for the accomplishment of the study.