Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has been elected Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the agency’s highest decision-making body. The unanimous election took place on Tuesday during the 49th session of the Governing Council.
President Bola Tinubu formally congratulated Minister Kyari in a statement issued the same day. The President described the election as a significant vote of confidence in Kyari’s leadership and the ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s agricultural and food security sector. “The election of the Agriculture and Food Security minister is a confidence vote in his capacity and the reforms he spearheads in Nigeria’s agriculture and food security value chain,” President Tinubu stated.
He expressed certainty that Kyari’s leadership would enhance IFAD’s global impact, particularly amid pressing challenges. “I have confidence that Senator Kyari will give IFAD the right leadership and deepen its relevance and impact, especially at a time of global food security crises,” the President added, referencing widespread food shortages, climate change effects, and supply chain disruptions. The statement, signed by Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga and dated February 10, 2026, also wished Kyari a successful tenure.
IFAD is a specialised United Nations agency and international financial institution dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It mobilises funds and provides grants and low-interest loans to support agricultural and rural development projects, primarily in developing countries. The Governing Council, composed of member states and key stakeholders, sets the strategic direction for the fund’s operations and policies.
Kyari’s election places Nigeria at the helm of a critical multilateral body as global food insecurity intensifies. His role will involve steering IFAD’s policies and funding priorities to support small-scale farmers and strengthen food systems in vulnerable regions. The appointment reflects Nigeria’s engagement with international development frameworks and underscores the country’s agricultural sector as a focal point for both domestic policy and diplomatic influence.
The tenure as Chairperson is expected to focus on aligning IFAD’s work with contemporary global crises, advocating for increased investment in sustainable agriculture, and fostering partnerships to build resilience in food supply chains. Kyari’s leadership will be closely watched by member states and development partners aiming to accelerate progress toward global hunger reduction targets.
