Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has been elected Chairman of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The appointment was made at the 49th session of IFAD’s Governing Council, held in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday.
The session brought together representatives from member countries and development partners.
Kyari described the role as a responsibility to millions of vulnerable rural people worldwide rather than a personal recognition or accolade.
In his acceptance statement, he said the position demands impartial and strategic leadership, focused on building consensus, promoting cooperation among member countries, and ensuring IFAD remains a credible global institution.
“I accept this role with humility and a strong sense of duty.
“This is a responsibility to millions of rural women and men whose livelihoods depend on our decisions, ” Kyari said.
He pledged to promote unity and inclusiveness across continents, noting that collaboration among governments, development agencies, and rural communities is essential to address persistent challenges in agriculture and food security.
Kyari reaffirmed IFAD’s mission to remain financially robust, policy-driven, and results-oriented, stating that careful planning and effective partnerships will ensure the Fund delivers measurable impact.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for positioning Nigeria as a key player in global development and for supporting the country’s active role in multilateral institutions.
The minister commended outgoing IFAD Chairman Christophe Schiltz for his leadership, highlighting the difficult context of global food systems, which face climate shocks, conflicts, population growth, and economic volatility.
Kyari assured member countries that he will strengthen cooperation and foster innovation in agricultural development, aiming to leave no rural community behind in development programmes.
He emphasised his commitment to policies that empower farmers, enhance resilience, expand rural enterprises, and ensure sustainable food systems for future generations.
The appointment of Kyari signals Nigeria’s growing influence in global agricultural governance and the country’s active engagement in promoting sustainable development on the international stage.
