By Agrobroadcast Team
Nigeria has secured a key leadership position in global agricultural governance as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has been elected to chair the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
A statement from the ministry disclosed that Kyari was elected during the 49th session of the IFAD Governing Council meeting held on Tuesday in Rome, Italy. His emergence followed his earlier role as vice-chair of the council, a position that paved the way for his elevation to the organisation’s top decision-making body.
IFAD is a specialised agency of the United Nations and an international financial institution focused on reducing rural poverty and strengthening food systems through targeted investments, innovation and partnerships across member countries.
Speaking after his election, Kyari pledged to lead the council with a strong commitment to equity, inclusiveness and strategic vision, while safeguarding the credibility of the institution. He described the appointment as a responsibility he accepted with humility and a deep sense of duty.
The minister said his election reflects Nigeria’s rising profile on the global stage under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda has placed food security, agricultural reform and domestic transformation at the centre of national priorities, while amplifying Nigeria’s voice in international food security discussions.
Kyari expressed appreciation to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi; the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Marcus Ogunbiyi; and other senior officials for their support.
He added that his emergence also demonstrates the confidence of IFAD member states in Africa’s capacity to provide leadership in global agricultural governance, especially at a time marked by climate change, economic uncertainty, conflicts and rapid population growth.
Reaffirming his agenda, Kyari said he would work with member countries to keep IFAD policy-driven and impact-oriented, with a focus on accelerating rural development and advancing global food security.