Agriculture minister pledges inclusive, impact-driven leadership as Tinubu hails election as global vote of confidence…
Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has been elected chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the ministry, noting that Kyari was elected during the 49th session of the IFAD Governing Council meeting held in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Kyari assumes leadership of IFAD’s highest decision-making body after previously serving as vice-chair of the council.
The ministry described IFAD as a specialised agency of the United Nations and an international financial institution focused on eradicating rural poverty and strengthening food systems through strategic investments and global partnerships.
Speaking after his election, Kyari said he would approach the role with fairness, inclusiveness and strategic vision, while safeguarding the institution’s integrity and credibility.
“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.
Kyari noted that his emergence reflects Nigeria’s growing global influence under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that the government’s renewed hope agenda places strong emphasis on food security, agricultural transformation and domestic reforms, while amplifying Nigeria’s voice in global food governance.
He also acknowledged the support of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi; the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Marcus Ogunbiyi; and other senior officials.
The minister said his election demonstrates the confidence of IFAD member states in Africa’s leadership in global agricultural governance, particularly at a time when the world faces challenges including climate change, economic volatility, conflict and rising demographic pressures.
Kyari reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that IFAD remains policy-driven and results-focused, while working with member states to advance rural transformation and strengthen global food security.
Reacting to the development, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Kyari on his election, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the minister’s leadership and reform efforts within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“The election of the Agriculture and Food Security minister is a confidence vote in his capacity and the reforms he is spearheading in Nigeria’s agriculture and food security value chain,” the president said.
Tinubu expressed confidence that Kyari would provide effective leadership for IFAD and enhance its relevance and global impact, especially at a time of growing food security challenges worldwide.
The president wished the minister a successful and impactful tenure as chairperson of the council.
