Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has been elected Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025 the first time Nigeria has held a leadership position in the Council in nearly five decades.
The ITU Council, which comprises 48 member states, serves as the executive arm of the UN’s specialised agency for ICTs, overseeing strategy and governance between plenipotentiary conferences. It plays a pivotal role in shaping global policies on connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.
Tijani’s election was formally confirmed following the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, underlining Nigeria’s growing influence in global digital policy and governance.
Reacting to the development on Tuesday, Tijani described the appointment as a “profound honour,” thanking the ITU leadership and member nations for their confidence.
“I look forward to working closely with the Council Chair, Ms. Cristiana Flutur, and fellow Council members to advance our shared mission of inclusive digital development,” he said.
As Vice Chair, Tijani will help guide the Council’s agenda and champion collaborative global action on issues such as resilient digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, universal access, and digital literacy.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts anchored in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu are fully aligned with the ITU’s broader vision of building a secure and sustainable digital future for all.
“Through this new responsibility, I will champion global collaboration around resilient infrastructure, meaningful access, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and trusted digital public infrastructure, building on the progress we’re already making,” he said.
Tijani also noted Nigeria’s commitment to addressing challenges such as expanding digital access to underserved communities and equipping its youth with essential digital skills.
In her remarks, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin underscored the urgency of the Council’s mission, highlighting the 2.6 billion people who remain unconnected worldwide.
“The 2.6 billion unconnected and the millions more being left behind are counting on the Council to bring a better digital future for all,” she said.
Dr. Tijani’s appointment is widely seen as a boost to Nigeria’s international profile in the digital and tech space and reinforces its ambition to be a leading voice in shaping the future of global ICT policy.
