Agric Minister, Kyari, appointed chairman of IFAD’s 49th governing council

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 position during the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in Rome, Italy, where he pledged to provide impartial, inclusive, and strategically focused leadership aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation and preserving the credibility of the institution.

In his acceptance speech, the Minister described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility to millions of rural people whose livelihoods depend on decisions taken by the council.

“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.”

Kyari pledged to discharge his responsibilities with impartiality, inclusiveness, and strategic foresight, adding that he would work to build consensus among member states while strengthening global development partnerships.

He reaffirmed his commitment to IFAD’s mandate of ensuring the institution remains financially strong, policy-driven, and impact-focused, delivering transformative outcomes for smallholder farmers, rural youth, women, and vulnerable communities worldwide.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership in agricultural transformation and food security, noting that Nigeria’s commitment to repositioning agriculture as a key driver of economic prosperity continues to shape its global development engagements.

He further acknowledged the support of Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Economic Council, and staff of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Kyari paid tribute to the outgoing IFAD Governing Council Chairman, Christophe Schiltz, commending his leadership and contributions to strengthening the institution during a critical period for global food systems.

Highlighting the responsibilities of the Governing Council as IFAD’s highest decision-making body, Kyari said the council is tasked with shaping rural transformation policies, safeguarding the institution’s financial health, appointing leadership, admitting new members, and setting strategic direction for global operations.

“These are not routine tasks; they are defining responsibilities that require unity of purpose, discipline of thought, and courage of conviction,” he said.

He also commended IFAD’s leadership team, including IFAD President Álvaro Lario, Vice President Gerardine Mukeshimana, Secretary of the Fund Dr Claudia Ten, and staff across global country offices for their work in delivering development outcomes for rural communities.

Kyari noted that global food systems are facing growing challenges, including climate shocks, economic instability, conflict, and demographic pressures, but expressed confidence that innovation and stronger partnerships would help address these challenges.

“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 expressed optimism about working with IFAD member states to strengthen the organisation’s mandate and build on its legacy of global development impact.