Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has been named among TIME’s list of the TIME100AI of 2025, a recognition he described as proof of the country’s growing influence in the global Artificial Intelligence space.
Reacting to the honour, Tijani said, “Proud to be included on TIME’s list of the TIME100AI of 2025, a recognition that underscores Nigeria’s growing role in shaping the global future of Artificial Intelligence. This honour is a reflection of the collective effort of innovators and partners who believe in the potential of AI to transform societies.”
The minister highlighted the country’s progress over the last two years, pointing to the National AI Strategy (NAIS), which brought together over 120 experts of Nigerian descent to co-create a long-term framework for the responsible development and use of Artificial Intelligence.
He noted that research and demonstration projects are already showing the practical applications of AI in healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion.
Tijani also stressed the importance of partnerships in driving growth, saying, “With the support of partners like Google, the Gates Foundation, and others, we are facilitating the scaling of mature AI solutions from Nigerian innovators, providing resources, mentorship, and support necessary to translate ideas into impact.”
He further explained that Nigeria is committed to the sustainability of Artificial Intelligence through initiatives such as the AI Collective, a community of researchers and practitioners launched with the support of the Luminate Group. This effort is backed by the AI Trust, a body of national leaders tasked with ensuring continued investment in the sector.
According to him, the TIME recognition validates Nigeria’s position as a potential global leader in inclusive and responsible Artificial Intelligence.
“As we continue on this journey, my commitment remains clear: to ensure AI not only drives innovation, but also contributes to building a $1 trillion economy as envisioned by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Tijani stated.