Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has been appointed Chairman of the 49th Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The appointment was confirmed during the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council Meeting held on Tuesday in Rome, Italy, according to a statement by Mr. Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head of Information at the Ministry.
In his acceptance speech, Kyari emphasised unity and inclusiveness, pledging impartial and strategically focused leadership to foster consensus, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and uphold IFAD’s credibility.
“It is with humility and a strong sense of duty that I accept this role,” Kyari said, describing it as a responsibility to millions of rural women and men worldwide rather than a personal honour. He reaffirmed his commitment to IFAD’s mission of being financially robust, policy-driven, and impact-focused.
Kyari also thanked President Bola Tinubu for positioning Nigeria as a leader in global development cooperation and commended outgoing IFAD Chairman Christophe Schiltz for his leadership amid challenges like climate shocks, economic volatility, conflicts, and population pressures.
He assured that strengthened partnerships and innovative policies will empower farmers, enhance resilience, unlock rural enterprise, and secure sustainable food systems for future generations.