The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has been elected Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), following his previous tenure as Vice Chair.
In a statement by the Head, Department of Information Ezeaja Ikemefuna says Sen. Kyari assumed the position during the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Rome.
IFAD, a specialised United Nations agency and international financial institution, is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and strengthening food systems through targeted investments and global partnerships.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I pledge to discharge this mandate with fairness, inclusiveness, and strategic foresight, while fostering consensus and upholding the integrity and credibility of IFAD.”
He noted that his election reflects Nigeria’s strengthened global standing under President Bola Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises food security, agricultural transformation, and domestic reforms, while elevating Nigeria’s voice in global food security governance.
Sen. Kyari also acknowledged the support of Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, as well as Permanent Secretary Engr. Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, and the senior management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Highlighting the global context, the Minister said the appointment underscores “Africa’s leadership in global agricultural governance at a time of mounting pressures from climate change, economic volatility, conflict, and demographic shifts.”
He pledged to ensure IFAD remains policy-driven and impact-focused, working with member states to advance rural transformation and global food security.
About the Author
