Nigeria has secured another significant milestone in its artificial intelligence journey following the appointment of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, as a founding member of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) AI for Good Global Commission.
The appointment places Nigeria among a select group of global leaders, policymakers, technology executives, academics, and international organisations tasked with shaping the future of responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence.
The newly established commission, launched by the ITU, is designed to promote trusted AI development while encouraging international collaboration on policies and innovations that harness artificial intelligence for sustainable development. The body is co-chaired by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, with ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin serving as Vice-Chair.
Reacting to the appointment, Tijani described the recognition as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing commitment to building a responsible AI ecosystem.
He noted that the country has made deliberate investments in digital infrastructure, research, innovation, talent development, and AI governance to position itself as one of Africa’s emerging leaders in artificial intelligence.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s presence on the commission will ensure that the perspectives and priorities of Africa and other emerging economies are represented in global conversations shaping the future of AI governance.
The appointment also reinforces Nigeria’s increasing influence in international technology policy discussions, particularly as governments seek to establish frameworks that balance innovation with ethical and inclusive AI deployment.
Beyond strengthening Nigeria’s global standing, the role offers an opportunity for the country to contribute to practical AI solutions capable of accelerating economic growth, improving public services, and advancing sustainable development across developing economies.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide, Nigeria’s participation in the AI for Good Global Commission signals the country’s ambition to play an active role in shaping global AI standards rather than simply adopting them.
The development comes at a time when African nations are pushing for greater representation in international AI governance, ensuring that emerging economies have a stronger voice in decisions that will define the future of the technology.
