Nigeria Secures Global Spotlight as Bosun Tijani Emerges Vice Chair of ITU Council

Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani

Nigeria Secures Global Spotlight as Bosun Tijani Emerges Vice Chair of ITU Council

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman

Geneva/Abuja — June, 2025

Nigeria has again taken center stage in global digital policy leadership as 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 the 2025 term.

The election took place on Tuesday during the ongoing ITU Council Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from across the world convened to shape global digital policy under the oldest specialized United Nations agency responsible for information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Dr. Bosun Tijani, an innovation leader and Nigeria’s digital economy czar, was elected into this prestigious role alongside other global ICT leaders. He will serve under the leadership of Ms. Cristiana Flutur of Romania, who was elected Chair. The ITU Secretary-General, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, presided over the election process.

Dr. Tijani’s emergence as Vice Chair reflects Nigeria’s rising profile in international technology governance. The development is widely seen as a nod to the country’s deepening investment in digital infrastructure, broadband access, and inclusive innovation under the current administration.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Tijani expressed gratitude to ITU member states for their confidence and pledged to work collaboratively to drive the Union’s vision forward.

“Nigeria remains committed to supporting the collective mission of the ITU—particularly by prioritising key areas such as resilient digital infrastructure and meaningful access for underserved communities,” he stated.

He described the moment as “a defining point in global digital transformation,” noting that the rapid evolution of technology presents both unique challenges and boundless opportunities.

The election was held on June 18, 2025, during the ITU Council Session at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference, which continues throughout the week, is focused on framing global strategies for sustainable and equitable digital development.

The ITU, founded in 1865, is the world’s oldest international organization tasked with shaping ICT policies that promote global connectivity, innovation, and development. Nigeria’s elevation to the vice-chairmanship is a major diplomatic and technological win, solidifying the country's leadership voice on global digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and spectrum management.

With Dr. Tijani’s leadership, Africa’s digital agenda is expected to receive stronger advocacy, especially in areas like rural broadband expansion, youth digital skills, and public-private innovation ecosystems.

Nigeria’s participation at the highest levels of ITU leadership enables the country to influence global ICT policies, attract partnerships for development, and position itself as a continental hub for digital innovation.

Dr. Tijani pledged to work closely with other council members to make the ITU a “beacon of inclusive innovation and trusted collaboration for today and future generations.”

The ITU Conference will continue with high-level sessions on digital cooperation, regulation, and global spectrum frameworks. Dr. Tijani is expected to lead breakout sessions on Africa’s digital future, with Nigeria now playing a more influential role in shaping global decisions.

The election has been widely hailed by ICT stakeholders in Nigeria and across Africa as a “milestone achievement” in digital diplomacy.