Minister Abubakar Kyari Elected Chair of IFAD Governing Council

By Aremu Toyeebaht

Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has emerged as Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), marking a significant milestone for the country’s growing influence in global food security governance.

Kyari was elected during the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Rome, after previously serving as Vice Chair. The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Head of the Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna.

IFAD is a specialised United Nations agency and international financial institution focused on eradicating rural poverty, strengthening food systems, and supporting smallholder farmers through strategic investments and international partnerships.

Speaking after his election, Kyari described the new role as both an honour and a responsibility.

“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.”

The Minister said his election reflects Nigeria’s rising global profile under President Bola Tinubu, noting that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritised food security, agricultural transformation, and domestic reforms, while amplifying Nigeria’s voice in international policy spaces.

Kyari also acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders within the agriculture sector, including Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Permanent Secretary Engr. Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, as well as the senior management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Placing the appointment in a broader global context, the Minister said it highlights Africa’s leadership in agricultural governance at a time when the world is grappling with climate change, economic uncertainty, conflict, and rapid demographic shifts.

He pledged to work closely with member states to ensure IFAD remains policy-driven and impact-focused, with renewed emphasis on rural transformation and sustainable global food systems.