Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, has been elected as the new chairperson of the governing council of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Gatekeepers News reports that the election took place on Tuesday during the 49th session of the IFAD governing council meeting held in Rome, Italy.
A statement from the ministry said Kyari’s emergence followed his earlier role as vice-chair of the council, a position that placed him in line for leadership of the organisation’s highest decision-making body.
IFAD is a specialised agency of the United Nations and an international financial institution focused on reducing rural poverty, improving food systems, and promoting sustainable agricultural development through targeted investments, partnerships, and policy reforms across developing countries.
Accepting the new role, Kyari pledged to lead the council with fairness, unity, and strategic direction, while protecting the integrity 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 rising global profile under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the renewed hope agenda has placed strong emphasis on food security, agricultural reforms, and global engagement.
He added that the leadership role also signals growing confidence in Africa’s capacity to shape international agricultural policies at a time of increasing climate challenges, economic uncertainty, insecurity, and population pressures.
Kyari also acknowledged the support of Aliyu Abdullahi, minister of state for agriculture and food security; Marcus Ogunbiyi, the permanent secretary of the ministry; and other senior officials, saying their contributions were key to his successful emergence.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that IFAD remains focused on results, policy-driven solutions, and impactful interventions that support rural communities, smallholder farmers, and vulnerable populations across the world.
Reacting to the development, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Kyari, describing his election as a strong endorsement of his leadership and reform efforts in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“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,” the president 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.”
Tinubu wished the minister a productive and successful tenure as chair of the governing council.
