Nigeria Reclaims Global ICT Spotlight In 48-Country Council, Targeting 2.6bn Unconnected

Nigeria has secured a pivotal leadership role on the global digital stage as the country’s minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has been elected vice chair of the 48-member International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025.

His election comes at a crucial time when the Council is intensifying efforts to connect the 2.6 billion people around the world who remain offline, placing Nigeria at the forefront of international initiatives to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive, trusted technology for all.

The appointment, confirmed on Tuesday, signals Nigeria’s growing influence in global digital policy and affirms the country’s readiness to shape international conversations on equitable connectivity, cybersecurity, and inclusive digital infrastructure. Backed by the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tijani’s elevation positions Nigeria at the heart of efforts to drive the ITU’s ambitious agenda for a digitally inclusive world.

Tijani, expressing gratitude to the ITU leadership and members for the trust placed on him, describing his election as a profound honour.

“I look forward to working closely with the Council Chair, Cristiana Flutur, and fellow Council members to advance our shared mission of inclusive digital development,” he said.

The ITU, a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for information and communication technologies (ICTs), plays a pivotal role in bridging the global digital divide. Its 48-member Council is tasked with guiding strategic direction and ensuring the implementation of key programs between the Union’s plenipotentiary conferences.

As vice chair, Tijani will work alongside chairperson Cristiana Flutur and other Council members to advance shared priorities, especially in connecting the 2.6 billion people who remain offline. This vision, Tijani said, aligns with Nigeria’s national priorities under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in extending digital access to underserved communities and building digital capacity among Nigerian youth.

“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,” he added.

Tijani also highlighted that Nigeria’s priorities mirror the ITU’s vision of fostering a secure and sustainable digital future where everyone, regardless of geography or economic status, can benefit from digital innovation.

ITU secretary-general, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, underscored the urgency of the Council’s mandate, adding that the 2.6 billion unconnected and millions more being left behind are counting on the Council to bring a better ‘Digital Future For All.’

Bogdan-Martin added that the ITU Council Members are also on the front lines of digital diplomacy. While noting that the ITU has empowered the world to innovate with purpose for 160 years, she said the ITU Council 2025 will be building momentum for inclusive, trusted, and transformative tech solutions.