INTRO

This edition of the Honourable Minister’s Week in Review arrives a little later than usual. The past several weeks have been an exceptionally busy period – much of it spent on the international stage – and so, rather than the customary weekly recap, we are publishing a special edition that brings together, in one place, the full sweep of his engagements between April 27 and May 29, 2026.

This period was defined by a sustained focus on strengthening and deepening cooperation with forward-looking countries and organisations in the area of digital economy. From chairing the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2026 in Geneva, to engagements across Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani’s objective remained consistent: to position Nigeria as a leading voice in shaping the global and continental digital agenda, and to translate these partnerships into tangible benefits for every Nigerian – all in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of H.E, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

 

TIMELINE

Monday, April 27 – Setting the tone at the ITU Council 2026 Ministerial Retreat

• The Honourable Minister kicked off his engagements at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2026 in Geneva with a Ministerial Retreat, bringing together members of the Union from across the globe and setting the tone for deliberations at this year’s Council Meeting. Amongst other things, discussions at the Retreat focused on setting clear priorities, aligning financial resources, and ensuring measurable outcomes in response to the evolving digital landscape. Council members also deliberated on how to deepen engagement with governments, industry, academia, and civil society, while strengthening sustainable funding models and partnerships that expand impact for Member States. In his address at the Retreat, the Honourable Minister stressed the need to empower the Union to be forward-looking in other to meet the needs of a fast-changing digital world.

 

Tuesday, April 28 – Assuming Chairmanship of the ITU Council

• As the newly appointed Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, Dr. Tijani presided over the opening plenary of the Council. As Chair, he intends to lead collectively, act with purpose, and build on the foundation laid by those before him, ensuring the Union remains strong, relevant, and future-ready.

 

Wednesday, April 29 – Showcasing Nigerian culture and hospitality at the ITU Council Chair Reception

• Following robust conversations on Day 2 of the ITU Council, Nigeria organised a Council Chair Reception ceremony bringing together ITU Council Members to enjoy a bit of our famous hospitality. It was an evening of masterful music and culinary artistry as Nigerian-born international artiste, Asa performed her soulful music while the celebrated Chef Fregz gave attendees a taste of Nigerian cuisine. Moments like this remind us that while we gather to deliberate on global connectivity, culture remains our most powerful bridge.

 

Friday, May 1 – Announcing Nigeria’s candidature for the ITU Council 

• On the margins of the 2026 ITU Council Meeting in Geneva, Nigeria hosted a reception to announce its candidature to retain its seat on the Council for the 2027–2030 term. A member of the Union since 1961, Nigeria has consistently contributed to the work of Council, providing leadership on critical priorities such as submarine cable resilience, and championing more inclusive global participation to advance meaningful connectivity. As we look ahead to the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 later this year, Nigeria remains committed to deepening its contribution to the work of the Union, in service of a stronger and more responsive global digital ecosystem.

 

Monday, May 4 – 8 Leading key policy decisions at the ITU Council

• As Chair of the Council, Dr. Tijani led on several discussions through Week 2 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2026 where members took key policy decisions ahead of the Union’s 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference scheduled to take place in November in Doha, Qatar.

 

Friday, May 8 – Advancing digital trade in talks with the WTO Director-General

• While in Geneva, the Honourable Minister paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, where they discussed issues around digital trade and development of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both parties remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria is not only prepared for the future, but also positioned to lead and create more opportunities for the prosperity of our people.

 

Monday, May 11 – Promoting digital transformation at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya

• Following Nigeria’s impactful representation at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2026, Dr. Tijani accompanied H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on a 2-day official visit to Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit focused on digital transformation, energy transition, climate action, and reforming global financing

 

Tuesday, May 12 – Exploring Nigeria–Kenya digital economy collaboration

• On the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit, he had a productive meeting with William Kabogo Gitaū, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications & the Digital Economy. Their discussions centred on identifying areas of collaboration between Nigeria and Kenya as both countries work to further develop their digital economy.

 

Wednesday, May 13 – Deepening engagements ahead of ATU Plenipotentiary Conference

• While in Kenya, Dr. Tijani met with John Omo, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), to discuss preparation for the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference later in the year.

Thursday, May 14 – 15 – Championing private sector-led development at the Africa CEO Forum

• The Honourable Minister joined H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s delegation to Kigali, Rwanda for the Africa CEO Forum where participants across sectors discussed the critical role of the private sector in the development of the continent.

 

Thursday, May 21 – Launching GovGuide Nigeria and deepening Nigeria–Poland digital cooperation

• Dr. Tijani launched GovGuide Nigeria, an AI-powered platform designed to make access to government information faster and more inclusive for every Nigerian. Available in English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, GovGuide provides citizens with easy access to information across more than 35 federal ministries and over 60 government agencies, helping to bridge language and information gaps while improving public service delivery. 
• Next was a meeting with H.E. Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs of Poland, alongside H.E Michal Cygan, Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria, to discuss deepening digital and economic cooperation between both countries. Their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration around digital infrastructure, fibre connectivity, investment opportunities linked to Project BRIDGE, and broader partnerships to support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

 

Sunday, May 24 – Marking President Tinubu’s nomination as APC presidential flagbearer

• On Sunday, he attended the ceremony marking the official nomination of H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential flagbearer for the 2027 general election. President Tinubu received the certificate alongside the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, and the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.