Focus on Home: Bosun Tijani Withdraws from ITU Deputy SG Election

Bosun Tijani, Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has announced his decision to no longer pursue the role of Deputy Secretary-General at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Minister shared this development via a LinkedIn post on Friday, stating that his choice to step back from the pursuit of the office came after a period of “careful consideration.”

President Bola Tinubu had put forward Tijani's name for the prestigious position on May 5, 2026, as per official ITU records. Had he continued, he would have vied for the role during the Union's Plenipotentiary Conference slated for November in Doha. This withdrawal signifies that Nigeria will not, for now, achieve a landmark milestone: having one of its citizens elected as an ITU official, a first in the organization's 160-year existence.

In clarifying his decision, Tijani acknowledged the appeal of the opportunity, both on a personal level and for Nigeria. However, he emphasized his belief that his most impactful contribution at this juncture is to remain dedicated to the ongoing national digital transformation initiatives. He quoted, saying, “After careful consideration, I have decided not to pursue the opportunity to contest for the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union. The opportunity was undoubtedly attractive, both personally and for Nigeria, as it would have presented the historic prospect of a Nigerian serving as one of the ITU’s elected officials for the first time in its 160 year history. However, I believe the most consequential contribution I can make at this time is to remain focused on the critical work before us at home.”

The minister highlighted several critical projects currently underway that demand his full attention. These include Project BRIDGE, an ambitious plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of open-access fibre optic cables nationwide, and the National Universal Connectivity Access Programme, designed to expand mobile network coverage to remote and underserved areas by erecting new telecommunication towers. Furthermore, he pointed to the development of two new communications satellites, the establishment of a national alphanumeric postcode system, and the implementation of Nigeria Web Design Standards as other key domestic priorities that require his continued dedication.

In his official nomination letter to ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, President Tinubu had lauded Tijani as “a distinguished technology leader, policymaker, and global advocate for digital transformation.” Throughout his three-year tenure as minister, Tijani has actively participated in leadership capacities within the ITU. He notably secured the election as Vice Chair of the ITU Council for 2025, marking Nigeria's inaugural leadership position on the Council in almost five decades. Additionally, in 2024, he received an appointment to the Digital Innovation Board of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.

Concluding his statement, Tijani affirmed, “My focus will therefore remain on supporting President Tinubu’s transformative digital economy agenda and ensuring that these critical programmes deliver enduring value for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”