In a landmark development for Nigeria’s global digital diplomacy, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has been elected Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025, marking the nation’s first leadership role at the Council in nearly five decades.
The appointment, announced following the ITU’s Council session in Geneva, positions Nigeria at the heart of global digital governance conversations and affirms its growing influence in shaping the future of inclusive, secure, and equitable digital transformation.
Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Tijani described the election as a “profound honour”, expressing appreciation to the ITU leadership and its Member States for their confidence in Nigeria’s digital agenda.
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“It is a profound honour to be elected Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2025. I thank the ITU leadership and Member States for this trust, and 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,” Dr. Tijani said.
He emphasized that his election comes at a critical moment in global technology governance, where inclusive cooperation is vital to building a connected and sustainable digital future.
“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 and helping shape digital policies that truly empower people everywhere,” he added.
The Minister acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for formally endorsing his candidacy, highlighting the alignment of Nigeria’s national priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda with the ITU’s mission of ensuring no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
“From expanding connectivity in underserved areas to equipping young Nigerians with digital skills, our national priorities align strongly with the ITU’s vision. I see this role as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s voice on the global stage while deepening our commitment at home,” Dr. Tijani affirmed.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading digital economy architects, Dr. Bosun Tijani brings a legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration to his new role. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), a pioneering pan-African innovation center with presence in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Namibia. Under his leadership, CcHUB grew into a key driver of the African tech ecosystem, mentoring startups, mobilizing investment, and tackling socio-economic challenges through technology.
Prior to his work in Africa, Dr. Tijani led innovation coordination efforts across Europe as the European Innovation Manager at PERA and served at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, supporting ICT adoption for export growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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A Desmond Tutu Fellow and a fellow of Stanford University’s Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law, Dr. Tijani holds a PhD in Innovation and Economic Development from the University of Leicester, and a Master’s degree from Warwick University, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Jos. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the Wits School of Governance in South Africa.
His election as ITU Council Vice Chair signals a new era of influence for Nigeria in global tech policy and a renewed push to drive equitable digital development across Africa and beyond.
