Nigeria’s Tijani elected Vice-Chair of ITU Council, to advance connectivity, digital inclusion

*The election of Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy as the Vice-Chairman of the International Telecommunication Union Council 2025, strategically positions Nigeria’s role at the heart of ongoing global efforts at promoting connectivity, cybersecurity and digital inclusion

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Nigerian Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), has been elected Vice-Chairman of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2025.

ConsumerConnect reports the ITU Council plays a central role in guiding the activities of the United Nations’ (UN) specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

The Council, comprising 48 member states, is also responsible for setting strategic directions and overseeing the ITU’s activities between plenipotentiary conferences.

Nigeria and global efforts at advancing digital connectivity, cybersecurity

Previously, the UN agency had affirmed Tijani’s election, following his formal endorsement from his home country by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking Nigeria’s first leadership role in the Council in nearly 50 years.

His new-fangled role now strategically positions Nigeria at the heart of global efforts at promoting connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.

As Vice Chair, he is expected to help steer discussions on the future of digital infrastructure, access and equity across the global world.

Earlier in her remarks, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU, who highlighted the role of the Council, said the 2.6 billion unconnected and millions more consumers being left behind are counting on the Council to bring a better ‘Digital Future For All’.

Announcing the development Tuesday, June 17, 2025, via his verified social media account, Dr. Tijani described his election as as the Vice-Chairman of the ITU Council 2025 as a “profound honour”.

He equally expressed appreciation to the ITU leadership and member states for the trust reposed in him.

The FMCIDE Minister stated: “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.”

He also noted: “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.”

Tijani disclosed that his appointment is the first for Nigeria to a leadership role in the ITU Council in nearly five decades, coming at a pivotal time, when global cooperation is essential to shaping a connected, secure, and sustainable digital future.

Appreciation to President Tinubu, other global stakeholders

Assuring the stakeholders, Tijani stated: “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.

“I am grateful to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his formal endorsement ahead of my election to this position.”

According to the Minister, his new assignment is in sync with expanding connectivity in underserved areas to equipping young Nigerians with digital skills as national priorities, under President Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These align strongly with the ITU’s vision of leaving no one behind in the digital revolution, and I see this role as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s voice on the global stage while deepening our commitment at home,” Dr. Tijani asserted.

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