When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Dr Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in 2023, his decision signalled a bold commitment to harnessing technology for national development. A seasoned tech ecosystem builder and co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), Tijjani brought with him not just impressive credentials but a deep conviction that digital innovation is the gateway to economic renewal. His vision aligns seamlessly with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which champions inclusive growth, technological advancement, and transparent governance.
In just under two years, Tech Digest, a digital innovation journal, reports that Tijjani has emerged as a transformative force in Nigeria’s digital economy. His leadership has revitalised key government agencies under the ministry—Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Galaxy Backbone, and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). Each of these institutions now plays a more strategic role in driving Nigeria’s digital future—regulating telecommunications, advancing satellite innovation, safeguarding data, and extending access to digital infrastructure nationwide.
One of Tijjani’s flagship initiatives, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, aims to equip young Nigerians with globally relevant digital skills. With over 270,000 learners already onboarded, it is quickly becoming a cornerstone of job creation, entrepreneurship, and technological self-reliance. From urban centers to rural communities, the programme is redefining access to opportunity in the digital age.
Another milestone is the rollout of the Nigeria Web Design Standards (NWDS)—a bold step toward standardising public-sector digital platforms for improved user experience and trust. In addition, Tijjani’s advocacy for infrastructure investments has supported key projects like MTN’s proposed $150 million Dabengwa Data Centre, which is expected to enhance cloud capabilities and unlock opportunities for startups, fintechs, and digital creators.
Tijjani’s strategic approach also extends to shaping Nigeria’s position in emerging technologies. He has championed national frameworks on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), signaling Nigeria’s readiness to compete and collaborate on a global scale. Through initiatives such as the Smart Women Nigeria program and targeted partnerships with global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta, the ministry is fostering inclusive innovation while empowering women and marginalized communities.
Much of this progress has been driven in synergy with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under the strategic guidance of its Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi. NITDA’s renewed vigor under Tijjani’s ministerial watch is anchored in the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0)—a policy blueprint for Nigeria’s digital journey between 2023 and 2027. SRAP 2.0 prioritises digital literacy, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and inclusive access, ensuring no Nigerian is left behind.
Through its AI and Robotics Centre, NITDA has also unveiled the country’s first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. By funding 45 AI research teams across Nigeria with a focus on gender and regional equity, the government is ensuring that Nigeria’s future in AI is both homegrown and inclusive.
Inspired by India’s Aadhaar and UPI models, the Nigerian government, through NITDA and NCC, is building ethical, open-source digital public infrastructure that can power both public service delivery and private sector innovation. These digital foundations are reshaping governance, education, agriculture, and even national security — setting Nigeria on a path toward resilience and relevance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The effort to digitise public institutions has also gained momentum through partnerships like the one with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, which is helping streamline workflows in the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Industry. This marks a shift toward smarter governance, with data-driven decision-making replacing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Meanwhile, the formalisation of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and the review of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) are reinforcing trust in digital systems. By safeguarding citizen data, the ministry is laying the foundation for a secure and privacy-conscious digital economy.
Under Tijjani’s leadership, NITDA has continued to evolve from a policy institution into a participatory platform —engaging citizens, startups, and civil society through open consultations and policy co-creation. This collaborative spirit is redefining the relationship between government and the tech ecosystem, fostering a culture of trust and innovation.
Most impressively, this administration’s digital agenda is not confined to elite urban enclaves. From grassroots tech hubs to rural empowerment schemes, leadership is making digital inclusion a lived reality. By decentralising access to tech education, Nigeria is not just expanding opportunity — it is building a truly people-centered digital economy.
The synergy between Bosun Tijjani’s strategic focus and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope blueprint is undeniable. Together, they are not just implementing policies — they are reshaping Nigeria’s identity as a nation that innovates, includes, and leads.
As the world watches Nigeria’s digital evolution, one thing is clear: the groundwork has been laid for a tech-powered transformation. With Tijjani at the helm and a government committed to digital equity, Nigeria is not merely participating in the global digital race — it is well on its way to becoming a front-runner.
Fatimah Yusuf Usman is a serving NYSC member in Wuye Abuja.
