Communications minister says he will prioritise Nigeria’s digital transformation projects over international bid….
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani has withdrawn from the race for deputy secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union, saying his immediate priority is to deliver Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Tijani announced the decision in a LinkedIn post on Friday, ending speculation over his possible bid for one of the ITU’s top elected positions.
The minister said the international opportunity was significant, both for him personally and for Nigeria, but concluded that his contribution would have greater impact if he remained focused on ongoing projects at home.
“After careful consideration, I have decided not to pursue the opportunity to contest for the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union,” Tijani said.
“The opportunity was undoubtedly attractive, both personally and for Nigeria, as it would have presented the historic prospect of a Nigerian serving as one of the ITU’s elected officials for the first time in its 160 year history.
“However, I believe the most consequential contribution I can make at this time is to remain focused on the critical work before us at home.”
The ITU is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for information and communication technologies, with a mandate to promote international cooperation and expand access to telecommunications and digital connectivity globally.
Tijani identified Project BRIDGE as one of the major initiatives that informed his decision to remain in Nigeria.
The programme is expected to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre infrastructure across the country, with the aim of strengthening broadband connectivity.
He also pointed to NUCAP, which is designed to extend mobile connectivity to underserved and unserved communities through the deployment of thousands of telecommunications towers.
Other initiatives on his priority list include the development of two new communications satellites and a national alphanumeric postcode system intended to provide precise digital addresses for homes and businesses.
The minister also listed the Nigeria Web Design Standards, which are aimed at improving the design and delivery of government digital services.
“These initiatives, alongside many others receiving the President’s strong support, will have sustainable impact on Nigeria’s digital economy and its people,” Tijani said.
According to the minister, delivering the projects would also contribute to the ITU’s broader objective of achieving universal, meaningful and inclusive connectivity.
Tijani said he would continue to work with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to advance its digital economy programme.
“My focus will therefore remain on supporting President Tinubu’s transformative digital economy agenda and ensuring that these critical programmes deliver enduring value for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The decision comes a year after Tijani secured another milestone at the ITU.
In 2025, he was elected vice-chair of the ITU Council, becoming the first Nigerian in 50 years to occupy the position.
His withdrawal from the deputy secretary-general race means he will now concentrate on the domestic digital infrastructure and connectivity programmes being pursued by the communications ministry.
