Bosun Tijani Steps Down From ITU Deputy Secretary-General Race

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has withdrawn from the race for Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union.

Tijani announced his decision in a LinkedIn post on Friday, saying he reached the decision after “careful consideration” of the opportunity and his responsibilities in Nigeria.

He was nominated by President Bola Tinubu on May 5, 2026, to contest the position at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to take place in Doha in November.

His withdrawal ends Nigeria’s bid for what would have been a historic breakthrough, as no Nigerian has previously served as an elected official of the 160-year-old international telecommunications organisation.

Tijani said the opportunity was attractive both personally and for Nigeria, particularly because of the possibility of making history at the global telecommunications body.

However, he concluded that his contribution would be more valuable at home, where he remains involved in the government’s digital transformation agenda.

“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,” Tijani said.

He explained that while the position presented an important opportunity, his current responsibilities in Nigeria offered a more immediate avenue to contribute to the country’s development.

Tijani has played a prominent role in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand Nigeria’s digital economy, improve connectivity, promote digital skills and strengthen the country’s technology ecosystem.

His decision comes as the ITU prepares for its 2026 elections, where member states will choose officials to lead the organisation’s various arms.

Tijani’s candidacy had placed Nigeria among the countries seeking one of the ITU’s senior elected positions. The position attracted candidates from several countries, including Brazil, the Bahamas and Bahrain.

The minister’s withdrawal means Nigeria will no longer participate in the contest for Deputy Secretary-General, although the country will continue to engage with the ITU on telecommunications, digital development and global technology policy.

Tijani said his decision was made with Nigeria’s broader interests in mind, stressing that the country’s ongoing digital transformation requires sustained attention and leadership.

He is expected to continue serving as Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister and pursuing the administration’s technology and digital economy programmes.

The decision brings an end to Nigeria’s campaign for the ITU position while keeping Tijani focused on the country’s domestic digital transformation priorities.