Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has been elected Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations agency focused on rural poverty reduction and food systems financing.
Kyari emerged as chair at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council held in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. He previously served as vice chair of the governing council, IFAD’s apex decision-making body comprising representatives of its member states.
IFAD is a specialized UN agency and international financial institution that assists rural communities with investments targeted at enhancing agricultural output and livelihoods. and strengthening food systems, particularly in developing countries.
In his acceptance remarks, Kyari 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.”
His election comes at a time when global food systems are under strain from climatic change, conflict, economic instability and demographic pressures. According to the release, Kyari said 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” and underscores the need for forward-looking solutions to strengthen resilience and expand inclusive opportunity.
As chair of the Governing Council, Kyari will preside over IFAD’s top decision-making body, which is responsible for giving strategic recommendations and approving budgets. and overseeing the institution’s policies and operations.
The minister linked his election to Nigeria’s broader agricultural and food security agenda, stating that it reflects the country’s strengthened global standing. The release noted that Nigeria has prioritised food security and agricultural transformation in recent years, amid domestic efforts to boost production and reduce reliance on food imports.
Kyari also acknowledged the support of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi; and other senior officials.
IFAD plays a key role in financing rural development projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America, often targeting smallholder farmers, women and youth. Nigeria itself has been a beneficiary of IFAD-supported programmes aimed at improving rural incomes and agricultural value chains.
Kyari’s tenure as chair will place Nigeria at the forefront of deliberations shaping global rural development financing at a period marked by heightened concern over food insecurity and the sustainability of agricultural systems worldwide.
