Geneva, Switzerland – Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has been appointed Chair of the 2026 Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), further strengthening Nigeria’s position in global digital policy and telecommunications governance.
The announcement was made during the inaugural plenary session of the ITU Council held on April 28 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Isime Esene, disclosed the development in a statement, describing it as a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in the global digital ecosystem.
According to Esene, the ITU Council serves as the Union’s governing body between Plenipotentiary Conferences and is responsible for overseeing policy direction, financial management, and the implementation of programmes aimed at advancing global connectivity, digital inclusion, and emerging technology governance.
He noted that the Council is meeting at a critical time when the global digital landscape is being transformed by advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), next-generation communication networks, and the increasing demand for resilient digital infrastructure.
As Chair of the 2026 Council, Tijani will lead discussions among member states on key strategic priorities, including expanding access to emerging technologies, strengthening stakeholder engagement, developing sustainable funding models, and advancing institutional reforms to ensure the ITU remains responsive to evolving global needs.
The Council is also expected to play a key role in shaping discussions ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for later this year.
Reacting to his appointment, Tijani expressed appreciation to member states for the confidence reposed in him.
“It is a profound honour to be entrusted by member states to serve as the Chair of the 2026 Council of the International Telecommunication Union,” he said.
“I accept this responsibility with a clear sense of purpose to serve this Council with fairness, balance, and unwavering respect for the sovereign rights of every member state.
“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. I look forward to working closely with colleagues to build consensus and deliver outcomes that reflect our shared ambitions.”
Also speaking at the session, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the organisation’s achievements and ongoing transformation efforts.
“Mr. Chair, this is the State of our Union, a Union that made promises three years ago and continues to deliver,” she said.
“A Union whose internal transformation strengthened external resilience for institutions, for networks, for people, and for communities who need us most. 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.”
Tijani’s appointment is seen as a major milestone for Nigeria’s digital ambitions and reflects the country’s increasing leadership role in shaping international conversations around technology, innovation, and digital development. The development is also expected to bolster ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to deepen the nation’s digital economy and strengthen its participation in global technology governance.
