In a bold step toward transforming cooperative financing in Nigeria, MAIS Limited, in partnership with Maistrade Multipurpose Cooperative Society and Terra Industries, has officially launched the $5 billion AssuredInvest Cooperative Trust Fund in Abuja. The fund, described as demand-driven and member-focused, aims to unlock inclusive economic growth through a secure and transparent cooperative financing framework.
At the launch event held on Saturday, Mr. Benjamin Aduli, Chief Vision Officer of MAIS Limited, hailed the initiative as “one of the most transformative financial vehicles ever created for Africa’s cooperative sector.” He emphasized that the fund will cater to over 252,000 members across 32 states, offering them a platform to save, learn, borrow, and grow.
“This is not just another fund. It is a movement. A declaration that cooperative capital—when structured, governed, and deployed with purpose—can unlock the full economic potential of our people, our lands, and our enterprises,” Aduli said.
A New Cooperative Financing Model
Each member is required to contribute a minimum of ₦5,000 monthly, with additional capital to be raised through strategic partnerships with impact-focused foreign investors.
Unlike traditional supply-driven financing models, Aduli explained that the AssuredInvest Fund is tailored to meet verified, real-time cooperative demands—from farmers and housing cooperatives to small businesses and youth enterprises across Nigeria.
The fund is governed by cooperative law, not securities law, and is backed by institutional capital. It will be transparently managed under the oversight of trustee banks, insurance underwriters, and key cooperative federations such as:
- Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria (CFAN)
- National Agricultural Cooperative Organization (NACO)
- Cooperative Housing Federation of Nigeria (COHFON)
- Akilaah National Cooperative Federation (Akilaah)
“We are building more than a fund—we are creating a new era of economic justice. Where every member has access, and every contribution delivers value,” Aduli noted.
National Drone Surveillance Program for Farmlands
The event also marked the launch of the National Drone Surveillance Programme, a groundbreaking initiative to enhance security for Nigerian farmlands through real-time drone monitoring.
Mr. Nathan Nwachuku, CEO of Terra Industries—the company behind the surveillance drones—described the program as a “strategic intervention” to protect Nigeria’s agricultural backbone from threats ranging from theft to climate-related disruptions.
“Food insecurity is not just a rural challenge—it’s a national emergency. Our drones will provide 24/7 aerial surveillance, real-time threat detection, and data analytics to protect our food systems,” Nwachuku stated.
The first phase will cover 40,000 hectares in Kogi State, securing the livelihoods of over 20,000 rice farmers operating under the MAIS Cooperative network.
“This is not just innovation—it is inclusion. We are embedding drone technology in our cooperative ecosystem to ensure even the smallest farmer benefits from cutting-edge security solutions,” he added.
A Vision for Inclusive Prosperity
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Esther Audu, National President of the Women in Agriculture Cooperative Federation Limited, lauded the initiative as a turning point for cooperative finance and agricultural security in Africa.
“The AssuredInvest Trust Fund is Africa’s first demand-driven cooperative financing model—designed to serve real people, real businesses, and real communities,” she said.
“Backed by law, built on trust, and powered by technology, this initiative proves that shared vision, risk, and return can reshape our development journey.”
She also praised the strategic leadership of Benjamin Aduli and the collaboration with Terra Industries, describing the drone surveillance system as the future of agricultural protection and national food security.
