A new chapter in global digital leadership began as Dr. Bosun Tijani earned a top seat.
His ITU Council vice chair role highlights Africa’s rising influence in shaping tech inclusion.
Nigeria has secured a prominent place on the global digital stage as Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has been elected Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025. This appointment marks Nigeria’s first leadership role within the Council in nearly five decades.
The development was confirmed on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, following an endorsement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the administration’s commitment to digital transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Reacting to the news, Dr. Tijani described his election as a “profound honor” and expressed gratitude to the ITU leadership and member states for their trust. “This is not just a win for Nigeria but a recognition of Africa’s growing influence in shaping the digital future,” he noted. Tijani pledged to work closely with Council Chair Ms. Cristiana Flutur and fellow members to drive forward the ITU’s mission of inclusive digital development.
The ITU Council, made up of 48 elected member states, plays a strategic role in shaping policies and programs for global communication technologies. As vice chair, Tijani is expected to help shape global discussions on expanding access to digital infrastructure, boosting cybersecurity, and ensuring equitable digital inclusion.
Tijani stressed that his new international responsibilities align with Nigeria’s national goals to close the digital divide, particularly in underserved areas. “We’re already making strides in broadband access, digital literacy, and trusted digital infrastructure. This new position allows us to build on our progress and contribute meaningfully to international solutions,” he said.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s ambitious goals, including recent announcements such as the planned rollout of 7,000 digital hospitals in rural communities and the signing of a $7.5 million agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish an AI Scaling Hub in Nigeria. These projects, he said, reflect the government’s desire to leverage technology for broad-based development.
Speaking on the council’s mission, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that the global community is looking to the ITU to provide solutions for the 2.6 billion people who still lack internet access. “The ITU Council must lead digital diplomacy and ensure that no one is left behind in the race toward a smarter, more connected world,” she said.
Bogdan-Martin added that the ITU, which has been at the forefront of innovation for over 160 years, will use the 2025 Council session to push for inclusive and transformative tech frameworks. She emphasized that council members are not only strategic thinkers but also frontline actors in the global digital ecosystem.
Tijani echoed this sentiment, promising to champion critical global priorities such as secure connectivity, resilient digital infrastructure, and skills development for the next generation. He pointed out that Nigeria’s agenda fits squarely within the ITU’s vision of a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future.
“As vice chair, I intend to promote global collaboration on issues that matter most: access, equity, and trust. Digital transformation must not leave any community behind,” Tijani stated.
The Minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to continue leading by example, drawing from its domestic progress to contribute to international dialogue. “Our Renewed Hope Agenda aligns closely with ITU’s mandate. From e-health to AI integration, we are building a digital economy that is inclusive, secure, and globally relevant,” he added.
As Nigeria assumes this critical role at the ITU Council, the move is widely seen as a testament to the country’s increasing digital ambition and its capacity to contribute solutions on a global scale.
