By Kehinde KOLAWOLE
Last week, Honourable Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani took center stage in a series of high-profile international dialogues, tackling pivotal issues in digital trade, postal service modernization, and artificial intelligence (AI). His engagements underscored a strategic vision aimed at transforming these sectors to align with global advancements, reflecting his commitment to fostering innovation and driving sustainable development. Through these discussions, Dr. Tijani emphasized the importance of integrating cutting-edge technologies and reformative practices to propel economic growth and enhance service delivery on a global scale.
On Monday, Dr. Tijani convened a virtual summit with representatives from the World Bank Group to delve into Nigeria’s digital trade priorities. The meeting spotlighted the country’s strategic areas for enhancement in digital commerce, alongside a thorough review of the initial insights from the Digital Trade Policy Gap Analysis. The discussions aimed to chart a course for fortifying Nigeria’s position in the digital trade arena, ensuring alignment with global standards and leveraging opportunities for economic growth.
Key figures from the World Bank Group and the World Trade Organization (WTO) recently convened to discuss the future of Nigeria’s digital trade. The meeting, aimed at strengthening the country’s digital trade infrastructure and policy framework, highlighted the collaborative efforts to propel Nigeria into a new era of digital commerce. By focusing on strategic enhancements, the attendees underscored the potential for Nigeria to become a pivotal player in the global digital economy.
Dr. Tijani recently attended the DCO Council Special Meeting, where he played a pivotal role in discussing the organisation’s expansion. His focus was on fostering digital prosperity and promoting inclusive growth within the digital economy, emphasizing the importance of broadening membership to achieve these goals.
On Tuesday, the Minister held a pivotal follow-up meeting with representatives from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to devise a new strategy for revitalizing the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). This initiative aims to enhance service delivery and modernize operations, reflecting a significant step towards transforming NIPOST into a more efficient and customer-focused entity. The discussion centered around innovative approaches to address existing challenges and leverage technological advancements, marking a renewed commitment to improving postal services nationwide.
The event saw the notable presence of Ignatius O. Ayewoh, the Acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), alongside Tola Odeyemi, the Postmaster General of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).
Dr. Tijani convened with Engr. Saidu Wakili, the visionary Director of Telecommunications & Postal Services (TPS) at the Ministry. Their mission: to unravel the complexities of telecommunications Right of Way (RoW) challenges. As they delved into discussions, the air buzzed with anticipation, echoing the promise of the Broadband Alliance project. Together, they forged a path, aligning strategies and weaving synergies, heralding a new era of connectivity and innovation.
Amidst his bustling schedule, the Minister found himself immersed in a dinner dialogue with Annika Hahn-Englund, the esteemed Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria. Their discourse delved into the intricate tapestry of follow-up initiatives stemming from the Minister’s recent sojourn to Sweden. Around the table, ideas intermingled with the aromas of a sumptuous meal, as diplomatic aspirations merged with culinary delights, forging pathways towards enhanced bilateral cooperation
Dr. Tijani, a visionary leader, convened with U.S. officials, the dynamic duo of Will Stevens and Christine Harbaugh. Their mission: fortify the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint, prioritizing infrastructure financing. Excitement brewed as they plotted upcoming milestones like the AI Conference and the Nigeria Startup House, igniting a spark of innovation in the air.
Dr. Tijani took center stage at the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-Register Train the Trainers’ Workshop, passionately highlighting the pivotal role of technology in modern political discourse and engagement. His words resonated deeply, echoing a vision of empowered citizenship through digital innovation, stirring the hearts and minds of all in attendance.
In the digital realm’s vibrant dance, he engaged in a virtual tête-à-tête with Ayotunde Coker, the visionary CEO of Open Access Data Centres (OADC). Their dialogue unfurled like a tapestry, weaving plans for a monumental 90,000km fiber-optic cable initiative, a transformative symphony resonating across continents, bridging realms of connectivity with threads of innovation
In a digital rendezvous, Dr. Tijani delved into collaboration prospects with Toni Pöllänen from ICEYE Limited, aiming to propel Nigeria’s digital evolution to new heights.
In a strategic move towards expanding Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure, he actively collaborated with representatives from the African Development Bank (AfDB) regarding the innovative Fibre Fund initiative. This partnership aims to pave the way for widespread broadband deployment across the nation, fostering connectivity and digital empowerment.
Dr. Tijani wrapped up the week in San Francisco, where he engaged in the ‘Atoms 4 Peace’ for Artificial Intelligence Workshop hosted by Stanford University. Renowned for his expertise in AI, he delivered insights on governance and regulation, inspired by parallels drawn from the Nuclear Age. His contributions were hailed as insightful and forward-thinking, setting a precedent for the ethical and responsible advancement of artificial intelligence.
Conclusively in a collaborative effort for global advancement, a diverse array of influential entities convened at a workshop. Among them were the US State Department, Stanford University, Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and more. Their shared mission? To sculpt the trajectory of AI utilization for the betterment of humanity.
