The Nigeria’s minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, has been elected as chairperson of the governing council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The election took place during the 49th session of the IFAD governing council meeting held on Tuesday in Rome, Italy, according to a statement issued by the ministry.
Kyari emerged as head of IFAD’s highest decision-making body after previously serving as vice-chair of the council.
“The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and an international financial institution dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and strengthening food systems through targeted investments and global partnerships,” the statement said.
While accepting the position, Kyari pledged to carry out his responsibilities with fairness, inclusiveness and strategic foresight, while safeguarding the credibility of the institution.
“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 said.
The minister described his election as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the renewed hope agenda places strong emphasis on food security, agricultural reform and domestic transformation, while amplifying Nigeria’s voice in global food governance.
Kyari also expressed appreciation to Aliyu Abdullahi, minister of state for agriculture and food security; Marcus Ogunbiyi, permanent secretary of the ministry; and other senior officials for their support.
He added that his emergence underscores the confidence of IFAD member states in African leadership in global agricultural governance, especially amid challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainty, conflicts and demographic pressures.
The minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring IFAD remains policy-driven and impact-focused, while collaborating with member states to promote rural development and global food security.
Reacting to the development, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Kyari, describing his election as a vote of confidence in his leadership and ongoing reforms.
“The election of the Agriculture and Food Security minister is a confidence vote in his capacity and the reforms he spearheads in Nigeria’s agriculture and food security value chain,” Tinubu said.
“I have confidence that Senator Kyari will give IFAD the right leadership and deepen its relevance and impact, especially at a time of global food security crises.”
The president wished Kyari a successful and impactful tenure as chair of the IFAD governing council.