President Tinubu Applauds Minister Kyari's International Agricultural Leadership Role
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally congratulated Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, on his recent election to a prestigious international position. The development marks a significant recognition of Nigeria's agricultural sector on the global stage.
Unanimous Election to IFAD Governing Council Leadership
According to an official statement released on Tuesday evening, February 10, 2026, and confirmed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Senator Kyari was unanimously elected as the new Chairperson of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This governing council serves as the supreme decision-making authority within the international agricultural organization, representing a position of considerable influence in global food security discussions.
The election occurred during the 49th session of IFAD's Governing Council, where member nations selected the Nigerian minister to lead their deliberations and strategic direction. This appointment comes at a critical juncture for international agricultural cooperation, particularly given ongoing global food security challenges affecting numerous regions worldwide.
Presidential Endorsement of Minister's Capabilities
In his congratulatory message, President Tinubu emphasized that Minister Kyari's election represents a confidence vote in his professional capacity and the agricultural reforms he has been spearheading within Nigeria. The President specifically highlighted the minister's work in transforming Nigeria's agriculture and food security value chain, suggesting that international observers have taken note of these domestic initiatives.
"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," President Tinubu stated in the official communication. "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."
Strategic Importance for Nigeria's Agricultural Diplomacy
This international appointment positions Nigeria more prominently within global agricultural governance structures at a time when food security has become an increasingly pressing concern worldwide. Minister Kyari's leadership role at IFAD provides Nigeria with a platform to influence international agricultural policies and potentially attract additional development resources to support domestic food production initiatives.
President Tinubu concluded his statement by expressing his wishes for a successful and impactful tenure for Minister Kyari as he assumes leadership responsibilities at the international agricultural organization. The President's prompt recognition of this achievement underscores the administration's emphasis on agricultural development as a key component of Nigeria's economic strategy and international engagement.
The development represents a diplomatic achievement for Nigeria's agricultural sector and suggests growing international recognition of the country's efforts to transform its food production systems despite various domestic challenges.
