Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has been elected Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a United Nations agency.
Kyari was elected at the 49th Governing Council meeting of IFAD, held in Rome, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s engagement in global agricultural development and food security governance.
IFAD plays a central role in financing rural development, reducing poverty, and strengthening food systems in developing countries. As chair of its governing council, Kyari will oversee high-level policy direction, institutional governance, and coordination among member states.
The election places Nigeria in a prominent leadership position within the UN system at a time of heightened global concern over food insecurity, climate impacts on agriculture, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Officials say the appointment also reflects Nigeria’s growing diplomatic profile in multilateral development institutions and its renewed focus on agricultural reform and food security at home.