Nigeria Takes Global Agric Spotlight As Minister Leads IFAD Governing Council

Nigeria has taken centerstage in global agricultural leadership as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, was elected Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Kyari was elected at the 49th session of the IFAD Governing Council in Rome, Italy. His emergence followed his previous service as Vice Chairman of the council.

IFAD, a specialised agency and international financial institution, is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and strengthening food systems through targeted investments and global partnerships.

In a statement issued by the Head of the Department of Information in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the minister pledged to provide fair, inclusive, and strategic leadership while fostering consensus among member-states.

He said the development reflects Nigeria’s expanding voice in global food governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, agricultural transformation and structural reforms.

The minister also acknowledged the support of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, and the ministry’s management and staff.

He said his election demonstrated the confidence of IFAD member-states in Africa’s capacity to provide balanced and forward-looking leadership at a critical period for global agriculture.

He said, “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.

“This election reflects Nigeria’s strengthened global standing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritized food security and agricultural transformation.

“The appointment reflects the confidence of member states in Africa’s leadership in global agricultural governance at a time of mounting pressures from climate change, economic volatility, conflict, and demographic shifts.”

“I reaffirm my commitment to keeping IFAD policy-driven and impact-focused, and to working with Member States to advance rural transformation and global food security,” he added.

Kyari’s election places Nigeria at the centre of global discussions on food security at a time when climate change, economic instability, conflict and rapid population growth were straining agricultural systems worldwide.