Nigeria has achieved a significant diplomatic and technological milestone with the election of Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as the Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025. This appointment marks the first time in nearly 50 years that Nigeria will hold a leadership position within the influential ITU Council, reflecting a renewed global confidence in the nation’s digital agenda.
According to reports, this historic milestone serves as a testament to Nigeria’s growing stature in the international digital landscape and its dedication to fostering a more connected and equitable world.
Speaking on this, Dr. Tijani expressed profound honour at the election, extending his gratitude to the ITU council leadership and Member States for their trust. He affirmed his commitment to collaborate closely with the Council Chair, Ms. Cristiana Flutur and other Council members. Their collective objective, he stated, will be to advance the shared mission of inclusive digital development, a critical endeavor in an era where global cooperation is paramount for shaping a connected, secure, and sustainable digital future for all.
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In his new capacity, Dr. Tijani pledged to champion global collaboration across several key areas. These include the development of resilient digital infrastructure, ensuring meaningful access to technology, fostering digital literacy, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and building trusted digital public infrastructure. He emphasized that these efforts will build upon existing progress and contribute to the formulation of digital policies designed to truly empower individuals worldwide.
He also noted that this historic appointment will bolster Nigeria’s influence in global telecommunications policy and further accelerate the nation’s digital transformation journey.
Furthermore, the Minister acknowledged the crucial support from Nigeria’s leadership, specifically expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his formal endorsement ahead of the election. This high-level backing is seen as instrumental in securing the prestigious international role.
Dr. Tijani highlighted the strong alignment between Nigeria’s national digital priorities, under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” and the ITU’s overarching vision of ensuring no one is left behind in the digital revolution. He cited initiatives ranging from expanding connectivity in underserved regions to equipping Nigerian youth with essential digital skills as examples of this synergy. He views this new role as a unique opportunity to amplify Nigeria’s voice on the global stage while simultaneously deepening the nation’s domestic commitment to digital inclusion.
