Abstract

This study examined the influence of ethical values on the sustainable development of cooperative societies in Nigeria, with particular focus on transparency, accountability, and fairness in benefit distribution. The study adopted a survey research design and was carried out across six states representing the major geo-political and linguistic regions of Nigeria. A total sample size of 600 respondents was purposively and proportionately selected, with 572 valid questionnaires retrieved for analysis. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled Ethical Values and Cooperative Sustainability Questionnaire (EVCSQ), which was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that transparency significantly fosters trust, reduces conflict, and enhances cooperative sustainability. Accountability was strongly associated with improved operational efficiency, minimisation of mismanagement, and long-term stability. Similarly, fairness and equity in benefit distribution were found to be critical in retaining members, promoting loyalty, and ensuring cooperative cohesion. Hypothesis testing showed significant positive correlations for all three ethical values with cooperative sustainability, leading to the rejection of all null hypotheses. The study concluded that ethical values are indispensable for the growth, efficiency, and stability of cooperative societies in Nigeria. It recommends that cooperative leaders embrace transparency, accountability, and fairness; government and regulators enforce compliance through monitoring frameworks; and members actively participate to safeguard ethical practices.