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 was appointed at the 49th Session of the IFAD Governing Council Meeting held in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday.
The Minister, in a statement by the ministry’s Head, Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, noted that his appointment was not a personal accolade but a responsibility to vulnerable rural populations across the world.
He pledged to lead an impartial, inclusive, and strategically focused administration that would strengthen consensus, deepen multilateral cooperation, and uphold the credibility of the institution.
Reaffirming his commitment to IFAD’s mission, the minister said the organisation must remain financially robust, policy-driven, and relentlessly impact-focused, delivering measurable, transformative outcomes for smallholder farmers, rural youth, women, and vulnerable communities across continents
Kyari further pledged to discharge his 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 expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his leadership as instrumental in positioning Nigeria as a strong advocate of global development cooperation.
According to him, “His resolve to reposition agriculture as the backbone of prosperity and stability continues to inspire our engagement on the international stage.”
He also acknowledged the support of Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Economic Council, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. “Their collective wisdom and support underscore Nigeria’s enduring belief in multilateralism, solidarity, and shared progress,” he said
The minister paid tribute to the outgoing IFAD Chairman, Christophe Schiltz, noting that “his leadership and dedication have strengthened our collective resolve and advanced IFAD’s mission at a critical time for global food systems.”
Highlighting the responsibilities of the Governing Council as IFAD’s highest decision-making body, Kyari said, “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.”
Kyari also commended IFAD’s leadership and staff, appreciating the President of IFAD, Álvaro Lario, the Vice President, Gerardine Mukeshimana, the Secretary of the Fund, Dr. Claudia Ten, as well as country offices and field teams worldwide.
“Their tireless engagement continues to translate policy into impact and deliver meaningful results for rural communities,” he said.
Acknowledging the pressures facing global food systems from climate shocks, economic volatility, conflict, and demographic change, the minister expressed optimism that collective action would drive innovation and stronger partnerships
“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,” Kyari said.
“I look forward to working hand in hand with all Member States to further strengthen IFAD’s noble mandate and to build upon its proud legacy of impact, partnership, and hope,” he added