NIGERIA’S AGRICULTURE MINISTER TAKES HELM AS IFAD GOVERNING COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON

Dayo Thomas

Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has been elected Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and strengthening food systems.

Sen. Kyari’s election, which took place at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council Meeting in Rome, Italy, is a testament to Nigeria’s strengthened global standing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. The Minister pledged to discharge his mandate with fairness, inclusiveness, and strategic foresight, while fostering consensus and upholding the integrity and credibility of IFAD.

Sen. Kyari’s appointment reflects the confidence of Member States in Africa’s leadership in global agricultural governance, particularly at a time of mounting pressures from climate change, economic volatility, conflict, and demographic shifts. The Minister noted that his election underscores the need for IFAD to advance forward-looking solutions that strengthen resilience and expand inclusive opportunity.

Sen. Kyari reaffirmed his commitment to keeping IFAD policy-driven and impact-focused, and to working with Member States to advance rural transformation and global food security. He acknowledged the support and collaborative leadership of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and other senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The appointment is expected to further boost Nigeria’s agricultural agenda, particularly in the areas of food security, agricultural transformation, and rural development.