Nigeria’s Agric Minister Kyari Appointed Chairman of IFAD Governing Council

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has been appointed Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome, Italy.

Speaking at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council, Kyari pledged to lead with impartiality, inclusiveness, and strategic foresight, emphasizing the need for consensus-building, strengthened multilateral cooperation, and the preservation of IFAD’s credibility.

“It is with profound humility and an abiding sense of duty that I accept the honour to serve as Chairman,” Kyari said. “This mandate is not merely a personal distinction but a solemn obligation to millions of rural women and men whose hopes rest on the decisions we take in this chamber.”

Kyari reaffirmed his commitment to IFAD’s mission of delivering transformative outcomes for smallholder farmers, rural youth, women, and vulnerable communities globally. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the institution’s financial robustness, policy-driven agenda, and impact-focused approach.

The minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and dedication to agricultural transformation and food security, describing Nigeria as a global champion for development cooperation.

Kyari underlined the defining responsibilities of the Governing Council, including shaping rural development policies, safeguarding IFAD’s financial integrity, appointing leadership, admitting new members, and approving strategic directions. He praised IFAD’s leadership, senior management, and field teams worldwide for translating policy into tangible impact.

Addressing challenges facing global food systems—including climate shocks, economic volatility, and demographic pressures—Kyari stressed the importance of collective determination and innovation to ensure no rural community is left behind.

“Together, we shall advance bold, forward-looking policies that empower farmers, enhance resilience, unlock rural enterprise, and secure sustainable global food systems for generations to come,” he said.