Nigeria’s Agric Minister Takes the Global Stage as IFAD Council Chair, Vows Unity and Inclusive Growth Worldwide

 

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, has been elected as Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a development that further underscores Nigeria’s rising profile in global agricultural development and food security governance.

Senator Kyari formally accepted the appointment at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council Meeting held in Rome, Italy. In his acceptance remarks, he pledged to lead the Council with impartiality, inclusiveness and strategic clarity, focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation and preserving the integrity and credibility of the institution.

Describing the appointment as both an honour and a weighty responsibility, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to member states for the confidence reposed in him.

“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. I thank you for the trust you have placed in me, and I accept it with a full awareness of the responsibility it carries,” Senator Kyari said.

He stressed that the mandate goes beyond personal recognition, noting that it represents a solemn obligation to millions of rural women and men whose livelihoods depend on the decisions of the Council.

“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,” he added.

The Minister assured member states of his commitment to fair and forward-looking leadership.

“I pledge to discharge this duty with impartiality, inclusiveness, and strategic foresight. I will work tirelessly to foster consensus, deepen multilateral cooperation, and uphold the integrity and credibility of this great institution,” he stated.

Reaffirming his dedication to IFAD’s core mission, Senator Kyari emphasized the importance of keeping the organisation financially robust, policy-driven and impact-focused, with clear and measurable outcomes for smallholder farmers, rural youth, women and vulnerable communities across continents.

He also paid tribute to Nigeria’s leadership, acknowledging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strong commitment to agricultural transformation and food security.

“His visionary leadership and bold commitment to agricultural transformation and food security have positioned Nigeria as a steadfast champion of global development cooperation. His resolve to reposition agriculture as the backbone of prosperity and stability continues to inspire our engagement on the international stage,” the Minister said.

Senator Kyari further expressed gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Economic Council, as well as the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, noting that their collective support reflects Nigeria’s enduring belief in multilateralism, solidarity and shared progress.

He commended the outgoing Chairman of the IFAD Governing Council, His Excellency Christophe Schiltz, for his distinguished service, saying his leadership had strengthened the Council’s resolve and advanced IFAD’s mission at a critical moment for global food systems.

Highlighting the central role of the Governing Council as IFAD’s supreme decision-making authority, Senator Kyari underscored the gravity of its responsibilities.

“We are entrusted with shaping the policies that guide rural transformation, safeguarding the financial strength of this institution, appointing its leadership, admitting new members, and approving the strategic direction that defines its global impact. These are not routine tasks; they are defining responsibilities that require unity of purpose, discipline of thought, and courage of conviction,” he said.

The Minister also praised the leadership and professionalism within IFAD, acknowledging the President of IFAD, Álvaro Lario; Vice President, Gerardine Mukeshimana; the Secretary of the Fund, Dr. Claudia Ten; senior management, and IFAD staff and field teams across all regions for translating policy commitments into tangible impact for rural communities.

Addressing the mounting pressures on global food systems, Senator Kyari noted that climate shocks, economic volatility, conflict and demographic changes continue to threaten rural livelihoods worldwide. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that collective determination, innovation and strengthened partnerships would deliver solutions.

“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.

He concluded by reaffirming his readiness to work closely with all IFAD Member States to strengthen the institution’s mandate and build on its legacy of impact, partnership and hope, ensuring that no rural community is left behind.