By: Ibrahim Sani
The Bauchi State Head of Civil Service, Barrister Muhammad Sani Umar, has expressed strong enthusiasm and clear support for the establishment of the Bauchi State Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward improving the economic well-being and financial independence of civil servants across the state.
The Head of Service gave the assurance when he received the President of the Society also doubles as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Usman, alongside members of the Cooperative’s Steering Committee, who paid him a courtesy and advocacy visit to brief him on the level of preparedness for the official take-off of the newly established cooperative society.
During the briefing, Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Usman informed the Head of Service that significant milestones had already been achieved toward operationalising the Society.
He disclosed that the Society’s draft constitution had been completed and submitted to the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice for legal review, while the Society had also been duly registered by the Ministry of Cooperatives after meeting all statutory requirements, leading to the issuance of its Certificate of Registration.
According to him, the committee also concluded the process of opening operational bank accounts after receiving proposals from several financial institutions.
He explained that two accounts were opened with First Bank of Nigeria, noting that the decision was influenced by the Bauchi State Government’s recent migration of its principal accounts to the bank, a move expected to simplify loan disbursement, salary deduction remittances and other financial transactions while reducing delays associated with interbank clearing processes.
Alhaji Nasir further explained that beyond providing affordable loans, the Society would also invest members’ contributions in profitable ventures, with annual dividends and profits to be distributed among members based on their shareholding.
He added that every member would have the opportunity to build share capital and benefit from the Society’s investments, making it a sustainable platform for wealth creation and financial security.
The Society’s President also revealed that preparations for membership enrolment had reached an advanced stage, with enrolment forms already designed and undergoing final amendments before distribution to interested civil servants.
He solicited the support of the HoS for allocation of functional secretariat, computers, office furniture and other essential facilities to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
To guarantee transparency and accountability in the remittance of members’ deductions, Alhaji Nasir disclosed that the Society plans to collaborate with the Bureau for Information and Communication Technology to develop an efficient electronic remittance system.
The President noted that the Cooperative’s leadership was carefully constituted to ensure broad representation from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), bringing together professionals from different sectors of the State Civil Service.
Responding, the Head of Civil Service expressed excitement over the remarkable progress already recorded by the committee, describing the initiative as a product of experience, foresight and sound leadership.
In a glowing accolade, Barrister Muhammad Sani Umar visibly elated, could not conceal his joy, singled out the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises as the driving force and soul initiator behind this vision.
He lauded the Permanent Secretary’s foresight and dedication, which have paved the way for a transformative intervention aimed at improving the welfare of civil servants in Bauchi State.
He also praised the composition of the Steering Committee, saying the calibre of officers selected reflected competence, integrity and the capacity to successfully manage the affairs of the Society.
In a show of personal commitment and confidence in the initiative, the Head of Service announced that he would become the first contributor to the Cooperative Society, explaining that his decision was intended to motivate other civil servants to embrace the initiative as a reliable platform for self-reliance, financial discipline and long-term investment.
Barrister Muhammad Sani Umar further applauded the Society’s loan scheme, noting that it would enable members to access affordable financing for essential needs such as children’s school fees, clothing, household items and other personal obligations without unnecessary financial hardship.
He assured the committee that the State Government would consider providing suitable office accommodation and other necessary support to facilitate the smooth take-off of the Society.
The Head of Service also stressed the need for an aggressive media sensitisation campaign to create awareness among civil servants, educate them on the benefits of the Cooperative and encourage widespread participation.
Throughout the engagement, Barrister Muhammad Sani Umar displayed genuine excitement and optimism, frequently applauding the committee’s achievements and commending the strategic planning already put in place.
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