Digital Economy: Nigeria shines as Minister Tijani becomes Chairman of ITU Council

*Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emerged as Chairman of the 2026 Council of the Geneva-based International Telecommunication Union, pledging to steer deliberations on key priorities, including harnessing emerging techs and advancing sustainable funding models

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), has emerged as Chairman of the 2026 Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Isime Esene, Special Assistant to the Minister, disclosed this development in a statement Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Abuja, FCT.

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Tijani pledged an inclusive global digital agenda as the Chairman of the ITU Council.

The Minister also acknowledged the ITU Council’s announced this appointment at its inaugural plenary session held April 28, in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives of member-states convened to set the Union’s strategic direction.

Industry analysts observed the development is expected to boost Nigeria’s role in shaping global digital cooperation, attract investment, and support innovation-driven growth in the digital ecosystem.

Core responsibilities of ITU Council, by Dr. Tijani

Highlighting its key functions, Dr. Tijani explained the ITU Council serves as the global organisation’s governing body between plenipotentiary conferences, overseeing policy direction, financial management and implementation of programmes aimed at promoting global connectivity, digital inclusion and emerging technology governance.

According to the Minister, In his new role, Tijani disclosed he is expected to steer deliberations on key priorities, including harnessing emerging technologies, strengthening stakeholder engagement, advancing sustainable funding models, and driving institutional reforms within the Union.

He further noted: “This year’s Council comes at a critical moment as the global digital landscape is rapidly evolving.”

The Minister opined this is being shaped by advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), next-generation networks, and the growing importance of resilient digital infrastructure.

“The Council will also play a pivotal role in shaping discussions ahead of the upcoming Plenipotentiary Conference later in the year,” stated he.

Commenting on his appointment to chair the ITU Council, Tijani described his emergency as a profound honour, pledging to serve with fairness, balance and respect for the sovereignty of member-states.

The Minister asserted: “This legacy is a product of sustained collaboration, and it is the foundation upon which we must now build.

“We also recognise the entire Secretariat for advancing the transformation agenda from design to implementation with professionalism, commitment and focus.”

He assured the stakeholders: “I look forward to working closely with colleagues to build consensus and deliver outcomes that reflect our shared ambitions.”

ITU Secretary-General speaks on Nigeria’s growing influence, Tinubu’s commitment to expanding digital economy

Speaking at this year’s ITU inaugural plenary session, in Geneva, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU, applauded the Union’s progress.

Bogdan-Martin said ITU’s internal transformation had strengthened resilience for institutions, networks and communities globally.

She, therefore, expressed optimism about continued collaboration to build a meaningfully connected and sustainable digital world for everyone around the world.

The Secretary-General of ITU further stated: “The case for what comes next is built on what this union together has already shown it can do.

“I look forward to continuing that work together as we build a meaningfully connected, sustainable digital world for everyone everywhere.”

Bogdan-Martin also said: “The appointment is seen as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence in global digital policy, and aligns with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand the country’s digital economy.”

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