By Martin Ekpeke
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has been elected Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025. This marks a significant achievement as it’s Nigeria’s first leadership role in the ITU Council in nearly 50 years.
Dr. Tijani announced his election on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude to the ITU leadership and member states for their trust. He affirmed his commitment to collaborating with Council Chair Ms. Cristiana Flutur and other council members to advance their shared goal of inclusive digital development.
This appointment comes at a crucial time when global cooperation is vital for shaping a connected, secure, and sustainable digital future. In his new role, Dr. Tijani plans to champion global collaboration on resilient infrastructure, meaningful access, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and trusted digital public infrastructure. He aims to build upon existing progress and help shape digital policies that empower people worldwide.
Dr. Tijani also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his formal endorsement, which preceded the election. He highlighted that Nigeria’s national priorities under the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” such as expanding connectivity in underserved areas and equipping young Nigerians with digital skills, align strongly with the ITU’s vision of inclusive digital transformation. He views this role as an opportunity to amplify Nigeria’s voice on the global stage while deepening the nation’s commitment to digital development at home.