By Faridat Salifu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, on his unanimous election as Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), describing it as a strategic milestone for Nigeria’s role in global agriculture.
The 49th IFAD Governing Council, the organisation’s highest decision-making body, will now be led by Kyari, whose election signals international confidence in his leadership and reforms in Nigeria’s agricultural and food security value chains.
President Tinubu noted that Kyari’s tenure offers an opportunity to enhance Nigeria’s visibility in global agricultural development, attract development financing, and influence policy priorities that could benefit local farmers and rural communities.
“His leadership at IFAD will not only strengthen the organisation’s impact amid global food security challenges but also provide Nigeria with a platform to promote sustainable agriculture, technology adoption, and climate-smart farming practices,” the President said.
Analysts say Kyari’s position could accelerate access to international funding, technical assistance, and partnerships, potentially bolstering Nigeria’s efforts to increase productivity, expand mechanisation, and improve food security nationwide.
President Tinubu extended his best wishes for a successful and transformative tenure, urging Kyari to leverage the role to deliver tangible benefits for Nigeria while contributing to global agricultural progress.
