When Bola Tinubu was declared the winner of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, many speculated on his choices for key cabinet positions. Among the most anticipated appointments was that of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy—given Nigeria’s booming tech sector. It was no surprise when Bosun Tijani, co-founder of CCHub and a well-known figure in the country’s tech ecosystem, was appointed to the role. However, as he completes his first year in office, Tijani’s performance is seen by many as a mixed bag of visionary ambition and unfulfilled expectations.
Navigating Political and Ecosystem Divide
Tijani’s appointment in August 2023 came with both excitement and skepticism. As the co-founder of CCHub, one of Nigeria’s most influential tech accelerators, Tijani was celebrated as an insider who understood the needs of the country’s growing tech ecosystem. Under his leadership, CCHub played a pivotal role in launching startups like Andela and BudgIT, and even hosted global tech figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey. His personal success story led some to believe that he could revolutionize Nigeria’s digital economy.
However, his appointment also sparked controversy. As a vocal critic of President Tinubu during the election, some party loyalists questioned whether Tijani deserved a place in the cabinet. This ideological divide extended to the tech community, where some leaders worried that entering Tinubu’s administration might compromise Tijani’s independent spirit, while others saw an opportunity to influence Nigeria’s future from within.
Ambitious Vision for Nigeria’s Digital Landscape
Early in his tenure, Tijani outlined an ambitious plan to transform Nigeria into a digital powerhouse. His vision for the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy included laying 95,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable across the country, improving internet access nationwide, and setting up “OneGov”—a centralized platform for all government services. His goal was clear: to make Nigeria a leader in the digital age.
In October 2023, Tijani also unveiled the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) initiative, aimed at training and placing 3 million Nigerians in technical roles over the next four years. This initiative is part of President Tinubu’s broader vision to create 1 million tech jobs during his administration. For Tijani, this plan is personal—he believes it could be his most significant legacy, potentially transforming the job market and lowering the barrier to entry for young Nigerians to access the global tech industry.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite his ambitious goals, Tijani’s first year has been met with a fair share of criticism. Nigeria is currently facing one of its worst cost-of-living crises in decades, and many citizens view his long-term plans as disconnected from immediate economic concerns. His push for an AI strategy, for example, was mocked on social media, with critics arguing that Nigeria should prioritize solving basic infrastructure issues like electricity before tackling cutting-edge technology.
In addition, Tijani’s decision to open a startup house in San Francisco to showcase Nigerian tech talent to global investors was met with skepticism. Critics questioned the utility of such an initiative when more pressing issues, such as improving local infrastructure, needed immediate attention. His detachment from X (formerly Twitter), where much of Nigeria’s youthful tech-savvy population congregates, has also raised concerns about his accessibility and responsiveness to feedback.
Privately, some leaders within the tech ecosystem have expressed frustration, accusing Tijani of becoming inaccessible since moving to Abuja. A private meeting in July 2024 aimed at mending ties with some of these key players highlighted the growing divide between the minister and the community he once represented.
A Year of Mixed Results
As Tijani marked his first year in office in August 2024, it became clear that assessing his performance is no simple task. On one hand, his ambitious projects, such as 3MTT and OneGov, could revolutionize Nigeria’s digital landscape. On the other hand, his critics argue that he has yet to deliver tangible results that resonate with the everyday needs of Nigerians.
Tijani himself remains confident in his work. He frequently points to his detailed plans, weekly updates, and policy outlines as evidence of his progress. Yet, he acknowledges the frustrations of his critics, believing that many have not taken the time to understand his broader vision.
For now, the jury is still out. As Bosun Tijani’s tenure progresses, the coming years will be crucial in determining whether his vision for Nigeria’s digital future will become a reality—or if he will become another promising technocrat whose potential was stifled by the complexities of Nigerian politics.
Conclusion: The Future of Tijani’s Legacy
Tijani’s first year as the minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy has been both promising and polarizing. While he has laid the groundwork for what could be a transformative period for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, it is clear that he must work harder to bridge the gap between his long-term vision and the immediate needs of the Nigerian people.
As his plans unfold, only time will tell if Bosun Tijani will emerge as the visionary who led Nigeria into the digital age or if his critics will be proven right in their skepticism. For now, all eyes are on him as he continues to shape the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.