By Nnasom David

MAJ Fintech Group and its subsidiary, Akilaah Solutions, emerged as the standout winners at the 7th Nigerian National Cooperative Awards after sweeping all three categories in which they were nominated.

Their remarkable performance coincided with a major policy announcement from the Federal Government, which declared that digitization will serve as a central pillar in the 2026 overhaul of Nigeria’s cooperative sector.

Speaking at the national symposium, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, who also doubles as the Coordinating Minister for Cooperative Reform, confirmed that the government will anchor next year’s programme on modernizing cooperative operations through full-scale digital transformation. 

He said the reform will emphasize transparent financial reporting, accurate member and asset records, stronger governance structures, and technology-driven inclusion that prioritizes women, farmers, traders, and youth across the country.

The government’s announcement strengthens the position of Akilaah Solutions as one of the most prepared platforms for nationwide deployment. The platform already delivers digital savings and loans, biometric onboarding, e-voting and governance tools, real-time visibility for regulators, digital channels for welfare and subsidy distribution, an internal marketplace for MSMEs, and automated reporting features—all of which mirror the Federal Government’s reform blueprint. With more than 30,000 cooperatives across Nigeria expected to benefit from the initiative, industry watchers say Akilaah stands out as one of the most field-tested and Nigeria-ready solutions capable of supporting wide-scale digital rollout.

At the awards ceremony in Lagos, MAJ Fintech Group and Akilaah Solutions secured three major recognitions: Most Innovative Company of the Year for MAJ Fintech Group, Best Cooperative Management Solution of the Year for Akilaah, and Most Outstanding Cooperative President of the Year for Mrs. Amenan Amandine Kouakou. Organizers said the wins affirm the organisations’ technical capacity, community impact, and leadership in pushing forward a modern cooperative economy.

In her remarks, Mrs. Kouakou described the achievement as a victory for every community striving for access, dignity, and financial empowerment. “This recognition is for every cooperative, every woman, every youth, and every community striving for financial dignity,” she said. “Akilaah is built by cooperators, for cooperators. We will continue to innovate for Nigeria and for Africa.”

With government policy and private innovation now aligned, stakeholders say the stage is set for one of the most significant transformations Nigeria’s cooperative movement has experienced in decades.