Nigeria has strengthened its presence in global digital governance following the appointment of Bosun Tijani as Chair of the 2026 Council of the International Telecommunication Union.
The appointment was announced during the Council’s inaugural plenary session held on April 28 in Geneva, where member states gathered to define the organisation’s strategic priorities for the year.
The ITU Council, the Union’s key decision-making body between plenipotentiary conferences, oversees policies, financial planning, and programmes aimed at advancing global connectivity, digital inclusion, and governance of emerging technologies.
As Chair, Tijani will lead high-level deliberations on critical issues such as the adoption of new technologies, funding sustainability, institutional reforms, and stakeholder engagement. The Council is also expected to shape major decisions ahead of the next ITU plenipotentiary conference.
In his acceptance speech, Tijani described the appointment as a mark of confidence from member states and pledged to lead with fairness and inclusivity.
“I accept this responsibility with a clear sense of purpose to serve with balance and respect for the sovereignty of all member states,” he said, adding that collaboration would remain central to achieving shared global digital goals.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the organisation’s ongoing reforms and growing global impact, noting that the Union is building on recent progress to strengthen digital resilience and expand connectivity worldwide.
She said the ITU remains committed to fostering inclusive digital development, supporting resilient networks, and ensuring that technological advancements benefit communities across all member states.
Tijani’s appointment is widely seen as a significant milestone for Nigeria, positioning the country to play a more influential role in shaping global digital policy and advancing conversations around technology, innovation, and connectivity on the international stage.
