Key Takeaways

• The 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse will take place on April 22, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Lagos.
• IFAD Country Director, Mrs. Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, will join a high-level panel to discuss agricultural growth.
• The event features key figures, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari.
• Discussions will center on the theme: 'Food Security and Socio-economic Stability: Options for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Rebound.'

Setting the Stage for Agricultural Reform

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex economic challenges, the agricultural sector remains a critical pillar for national stability. To address these pressing issues, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations, has confirmed its participation in the highly anticipated 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse. The event is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

This year’s theme, 'Food Security and Socio-economic Stability: Options for Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Rebound,' reflects the urgency of the current climate. With the nation seeking sustainable pathways to food self-sufficiency, the discourse aims to bridge the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation.

Expert Insights and Leadership

A major highlight of the event will be the contribution of Mrs. Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, the IFAD Country Director for Nigeria. Bringing over two decades of international leadership experience—including tenures with UNDP, UN-Women, and as a former Minister in the Republic of Togo—Mrs. Ekoue is expected to provide a global perspective on local agricultural challenges. Her expertise in development finance and institutional management will be instrumental as the panel explores strategies to revitalize the agricultural value chain.

The discourse will be chaired by the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, while Dr. Hussein Gadain, the ECOWAS/Nigeria Resident Representative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.