Nigeria has secured a prominent seat at the helm of global agricultural governance as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emerged Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome.
Kyari’s appointment at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council signals a significant moment for Nigeria’s expanding influence in international agricultural development and multilateral cooperation.
Accepting the role in Rome, the Minister described the responsibility as a solemn duty to millions of rural farmers whose livelihoods depend on the policies shaped within the Council.
He pledged to lead with impartiality, inclusiveness and strategic clarity, assuring Member States of his commitment to fostering consensus and strengthening cooperation among nations.
A press statement issued by the Head of Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, quoted Kyari as saying he received the mandate with humility and a full awareness of its weight, stressing that the position represents an obligation to rural women and men across continents who rely on IFAD’s interventions for survival, resilience and growth.
He committed to ensuring that IFAD remains financially strong, policy-driven and relentlessly focused on measurable impact, particularly for smallholder farmers, rural youth, women and vulnerable communities.
According to him, the institution must continue to deliver transformative outcomes in a rapidly changing global food landscape.
Kyari emphasized the strategic authority of the Governing Council as IFAD’s supreme decision-making body, entrusted with shaping rural development policies, safeguarding financial stability, appointing leadership, admitting new members and approving the institution’s global direction.
He described these duties as defining responsibilities that demand unity of purpose and disciplined leadership.
The Minister also acknowledged the mounting pressures confronting global food systems, climate shocks, economic instability, conflict and demographic shifts noting that collective resolve and innovation are essential to building resilient rural economies.
He assured Member States that under his chairmanship, partnerships would be strengthened and forward-looking policies advanced to secure sustainable food systems for future generations.
He extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising agricultural transformation and food security, stating that Nigeria’s reform-driven agenda continues to position the country as a committed partner in global development cooperation.
Kyari further commended IFAD President Álvaro Lario, Vice President Gerardine Mukeshimana, Secretary of the Fund Dr. Claudia Ten, as well as the institution’s management and field teams for sustaining impact across regions.
