INTRO

Following the review of 2026 priorities last week, Dr. Tijani and his team got straight back to work with a commitment to build on the strong foundations that has been laid over the past two years. His focus remains clear: accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation through strategic partnerships, robust infrastructure, talent development, and innovation-led growth, all aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Each engagement this week reinforced the importance of continuity, collaboration, and delivery as we work towards positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy.

TIMELINE

Wednesday, January 14 – Strengthening international partnerships and advancing AI readiness

• The Honourable Minister’s first meeting was with H.E. Ambassador Svein Baera, Norway’s Ambassador to Nigeria to further conversations on key priority areas for Nigeria’s digital future including broadband infrastructure, talent, Artificial Intelligence, and clean energy. He looks forward to translating these discussions into impactful deliverables that will benefit both nations.
• Next was a meeting with representatives of the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) led by its CEO, Udo Jude Ilo. Discussions in meeting centered around how HiiL’s programs can support local-level implementation of the Digital Economy Law, particularly around access to justice. Plans are underway to deliver a justice survey targeted at startups and tech businesses to ensure that government processes are properly supporting their needs.
• Later on Wednesday, the Oxford Government AI Readiness Index 2025 announced Nigeria’s movement up its ranks — rising 31 places from 103rd in 2023 to 72nd out of 195 countries in 2025 — placing Nigeria in the 37th percentile globally. This reflects our country’s growing strength in developing AI talent, research, and innovation.

Thursday, January 15 – Honouring service and investing in academic-led digital innovation

• On Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Honourable Minister honoured the courage, sacrifice, and selfless service of the men and women of our Armed Forces who continue to put their lives on the line to keep our country safe. 
• Dr. Tijani visited one of Nigeria’s oldest and foremost tertiary institutions, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he delivered a keynote address focused on the central role of our academic institutions in Nigeria’s digital and economic future. In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister announced the deployment of up to 30 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across academic buildings and student hostels, alongside funding for a professorial grant, three post-doctoral positions, and three PhD scholarships in priority areas of Nigeria’s digital economy as part of our National Digital Economy Research Scheme. While in Osun, he visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, CFR, who offered royal blessings and prayed for the success of our initiatives.

Friday, January 16 – Strengthening responsible AI collaboration and research ecosystems 

• To review the progress of work of the Nigeria AI Collective over the past year, Dr. Tijani had a meeting with Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC). Launched in 2024, the AI Collective is a community of practice bringing together expertise from civil society, academic, tech, and other sectors working together to advance AI in Nigeria and ensure its safe and ethical use. The Honourable Minister later paid a courtesy visit to 21st Century Technologies Limited, a communication technology company based in Lagos, where he was taken on a tour of their data centre facility by the company Chairman and CEO, Wale Ajisebutu.