Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister Elected Chairman of IFAD Governing Council

By Kingsley Ohens

ROME, Italy — Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has been elected Chairman of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), marking a significant milestone for Nigeria in global agricultural diplomacy.

Kyari emerged as Chair at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council held Tuesday in Rome, where the United Nations specialized agency is headquartered. The Governing Council is IFAD’s highest decision-making body, responsible for overseeing the institution’s strategic direction and policies aimed at reducing poverty and hunger in rural areas worldwide.

In his acceptance remarks, Kyari described the appointment as a solemn responsibility rather than a personal achievement, emphasizing the global stakes tied to IFAD’s mission.

“It is with humility and a strong sense of duty that I accept this role,” Kyari said in a statement shared Tuesday. “I take this mandate not as a personal honour, but as a responsibility to millions of rural women and men worldwide.”

He pledged to promote unity and inclusiveness across continents, promising impartial and strategically focused leadership to build consensus among member states, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and uphold IFAD’s credibility as a key development institution.

Kyari reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that IFAD remains financially robust, policy-driven, and impact-focused at a time when global food systems face mounting pressures. He highlighted challenges including climate shocks, economic volatility, protracted conflicts, and rapid population growth, all of which continue to threaten food security and rural livelihoods.

“Together, we will advance policies that empower farmers, enhance resilience, unlock rural enterprise, and secure sustainable food systems for future generations,” he said.

The Nigerian minister also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting Nigeria’s active engagement in global development cooperation, describing the appointment as reflective of the country’s growing leadership role in international agricultural and food security initiatives.

Kyari commended the outgoing Chairman of the Governing Council, Christophe Schiltz, for his stewardship during a period marked by complex global challenges.

IFAD, established in 1977, is a specialized United Nations agency and international financial institution dedicated to investing in rural people. Through grants and low-interest loans, the organization supports agricultural development projects designed to improve food production, boost rural incomes, and strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities.

Kyari’s election is expected to further position Nigeria at the forefront of multilateral efforts to address global hunger, poverty, and sustainable agricultural development.