The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has been named among the 2025 TIME100 Artificial Intelligence list, joining tech leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman.
The announcement was made by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Isime Esene, who explained that the list highlights the 100 most influential figures in AI.
Esene noted that TIME’s editors and reporters reviewed major AI developments over the past year and sought input from experts and industry leaders to compile the list.
“The result is a list of 100 leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers who have a stake in the future of AI,” he said.
Esene added that Tijani’s inclusion reflects Nigeria’s growing role in advancing AI for inclusive and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Tijani highlighted that through the National AI Strategy, the ministry engaged over 120 experts of Nigerian descent to co-create a long-term strategy for the responsible development and use of AI.
According to him, this initiative focuses on research and demonstration projects showcasing AI’s practical applications in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion.
“With the support of partners like Google, the Gates Foundation, and others, Nigeria is facilitating the scaling of mature AI solutions from local innovators. We are providing resources, mentorship and support necessary to translate ideas into impact.
“This recognition from TIME further validates our belief that Nigeria can stand as a global leader in the responsible and inclusive deployment of AI for increased productivity,” he said.
The minister further emphasized his commitment to ensuring AI drives innovation and contributes to building a one trillion-dollar economy, as envisioned by President Bola Tinubu.
“With this global recognition, Nigeria reinforces its commitment to leveraging AI to create opportunities for its citizens and contribute to the advancement of responsible technology worldwide,” Tijani stressed.