Nigeria’s Agric Minister Emerges As IFAD Governing Council Chairman

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has emerged as the Chairman of the 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 noted that his appointment was not a personal accolade but a responsibility to vulnerable rural populations worldwide.

In his acceptance speech, Kyari pledged to promote unity and inclusiveness across continents, promising impartial and strategically focused leadership to foster consensus, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and uphold IFAD’s credibility.

I once again appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, @officialABAT for his exemplary leadership. My colleague, the Honourable Minister of State, Sen. Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, @sabialiyu_ for his support, and the entire staff of the Ministry of Agriculture… pic.twitter.com/uyyd1f0IJb

— Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON (@SenatorAKyari) February 11, 2026

READ ALSO: Nigeria Revenue Service Collects ₦28.3trn In 2025, Sets ₦40.7trn Target For 2026

“It is with humility and a strong sense of duty that I accept this role,” Mr Kyari said in a statement on his X handle on Tuesday evening. “I take this mandate not as a personal honour, but as a responsibility to millions of rural women and men worldwide.”

With humility, I accept the honour to serve as Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) @IFAD . This is a solemn responsibility to the millions of rural people whose lives are shaped by our decisions.

I am deeply grateful… pic.twitter.com/6x2eWWEIX1

— Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON (@SenatorAKyari) February 10, 2026

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to IFAD’s mission of being financially robust, policy-driven, and impact-focused.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for positioning Nigeria as a leader in global development cooperation.

Kyari commended outgoing IFAD chairman Christophe Schiltz for his leadership, noting the challenges global food systems face, including climate shocks, economic volatility, conflicts, and population pressures.

He assured that with determination and innovation, partnerships will be strengthened to ensure no rural community is left behind.

“Together, we will advance policies that empower farmers, enhance resilience, unlock rural enterprise, and secure sustainable food systems for future generations,” he said.

‘A Confidence Vote’

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES AGRICULTURE MINISTER, ABUBAKAR KYARI, ON ELECTION AS IFAD CHAIR

President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, on his emergence as the new Chairperson… pic.twitter.com/93Uk2pNlX6

— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) February 10, 2026

Following his emergency, President Tinubu congratulated Kyari and said his election was a vote of confidence in his capacity.

“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,” presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, quoted his principal as saying.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu wished him a successful, impactful tenure as he begins his tenure.

As the chairman of the IFAD Governing Council, the minister will be in charge of shaping global rural development policy, leadership appointments, institutional governance, and financial sustainability, among others.

IFAD is a specialised agency of the United Nations and a global financial institution. It is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and strengthening food systems through targeted investments and partnerships.

$6.1bn Non-Oil Exports

Nigeria exports cocoa, sesame seeds, soya beans, cashew nuts, and rubbers, among others.

Last month, non-oil exports recorded a significant boost in 2025, rising to $6.1 billion, according to figures released by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

“The figure showed a growth of 11.5 per cent compared to the $5.4 billion recorded in December 2024,” the Council’s Executive Director, NonyeAyeni said at a news briefing in Abuja.

She explained that the Netherlands, Brazil, and India were the top three destinations for Nigeria’s exports in 2025, reflecting the country’s expanding trade footprint across Europe, South America, and Asia.

Closer to home, Nigeria exported 1.23 million metric tonnes of goods to 11 members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin topping the list.