Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has been appointed Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Kyari accepted the appointment during the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council meeting held on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in Rome, Italy, pledging to provide inclusive, impartial and strategically focused leadership at a time of growing pressure on global food systems.
Describing the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, Kyari stated that the role goes beyond personal recognition and speaks directly to the lives of rural communities worldwide.
“It is with profound humility and an abiding sense of duty that I accept the honour to serve as Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development,” he said.
“I receive this mandate not merely as a personal distinction, but as a solemn obligation to the millions of rural women and men whose hopes rest on the decisions we take in this chamber.”
The IFAD Governing Council is the institution’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting strategic direction, safeguarding financial health, appointing leadership, admitting new members and shaping policies that affect rural transformation across developing regions.
Emphasising the weight of the responsibility, Kyari noted that the council’s work demands unity and foresight rather than routine decision-making.
“These are not routine tasks; they are defining responsibilities that require unity of purpose, discipline of thought, and courage of conviction,” he said.
He pledged to work closely with member states to strengthen multilateral cooperation, build consensus, and ensure that IFAD remains financially strong, policy-driven, and impact-focused.
Kyari reaffirmed his commitment to IFAD’s mandate to deliver measurable outcomes for smallholder farmers, rural youth, women and vulnerable communities, particularly as climate shocks, conflict and economic instability continue to strain food systems globally.
“Together, we shall advance bold and forward-looking policies that empower farmers, enhance resilience, unlock rural enterprise, and secure sustainable global food systems for generations to come,” he said.
The minister expressed confidence that innovation, partnerships and inclusive governance would help IFAD respond effectively to emerging global challenges.
Kyari also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership in repositioning agriculture as a driver of economic growth and food security, noting that Nigeria’s domestic reforms continue to shape its engagement in global development platforms.
He further thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Economic Council, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their support.
The minister paid tribute to the outgoing IFAD Governing Council Chairman, Christophe Schiltz, commending his leadership during a critical period for global food systems.
He also praised IFAD’s management team, including President Álvaro Lario, Vice President Gerardine Mukeshimana and Secretary of the Fund, Dr Claudia Ten, for their continued commitment to rural development.
Kyari expressed optimism about working with IFAD member states to build on the institution’s legacy and strengthen its role in supporting sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and rural livelihoods worldwide.
Source: Tribune Online
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