Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has withdrawn from the race for the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Tijani announced his decision on Friday, September 11, 2026, saying he had made the decision after carefully considering the opportunity and the responsibilities involved.
The minister had been nominated by President Bola Tinubu in May to contest the position, with the election expected to take place during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled for November in Doha, Qatar.
Tijani said the position was an attractive opportunity for both him and Nigeria, particularly because his election would have given the country an opportunity to produce its first elected official in the ITU’s 160-year history.
However, he said he had decided to remain focused on the digital transformation work currently taking place in Nigeria.
According to reports, Tijani’s withdrawal means Nigeria will no longer pursue the position in the upcoming election.
The minister has played a prominent role in the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda, including efforts focused on digital skills, technology infrastructure, innovation and expanding Nigeria’s participation in the global digital economy.
Tijani’s decision comes at a time when the government is pushing several digital initiatives aimed at increasing technology adoption and creating opportunities within Nigeria’s growing digital sector.
The ITU is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for issues relating to information and communication technologies globally.
