Nigeria has recorded a major milestone in the global technology space as the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was appointed Chairman of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council for 2026.
The announcement was made during the Council’s inaugural plenary session in Geneva, Switzerland, where member states gathered to outline strategic priorities for the global telecom body.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant, Isime Esene, Tijani described his appointment as a profound honour and pledged to promote fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the sovereignty of all member states.
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“This appointment is a profound honour. I pledge to serve with fairness, balance, and respect for the sovereignty of member states,” Dr. Tijani stated.
He noted that the Council would shape critical discussions ahead of the upcoming Plenipotentiary Conference.
His leadership comes at a pivotal time as the world grapples with the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need for resilient digital infrastructure.
ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin congratulated the Minister, highlighting the union’s internal transformation and its role in strengthening global networks.
She expressed optimism that under this new leadership, the ITU would continue to build a “meaningfully connected and sustainable digital world for everyone everywhere.”
As the governing body of the ITU between plenipotentiary conferences, the Council is responsible for overseeing global policy direction, financial management, and the implementation of connectivity programmes.
The appointment is widely viewed as a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global digital policy.
It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which seeks to aggressively expand Nigeria’s digital economy and position the nation as a leader in the fourth industrial revolution.
