The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Nigeria is a government agency responsible for overseeing the development and regulation of policies related to technology and the digital economy.
Its core responsibilities include promoting digital inclusion, and innovation, and driving economic growth through technology.
The ministry also creates a conducive environment for the growth of the tech industry, including startups and SMEs, and ensures that Nigeria benefits from the opportunities presented by the digital age.
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List Of Ministers Of Communication, Innovation, And Digital Economy In Nigeria
No | Name | Term Start | Term End |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Arthur Prest | 1952 | 1955 |
2 | K O Mbadiwe | 1955 | 1957 |
3 | Ladoke Akintola | 1957 | 1959 |
4 | Olu Akinfosile | 1960 | 1964 |
5 | Raymond Njoku | 1964 | 1966 |
6 | Aminu Kano | 1967 | 1972 |
7 | Joseph Sarwuan Tarka | 1972 | 1974 |
8 | Murtala Muhammed | 1974 | 1975 |
9 | Silvanus Olatunde Williams | 1975 | 1977 |
10 | Oberu Aribiah | 1978 | 1979 |
11 | Akanbi Oniyangi | 1979 | 1981 |
12 | Isaac Shaahu | 1981 | 1982 |
13 | Audu Ogbeh | 1982 | 1983 |
14 | Emmanuel Adiele | 1983 | 1983 |
15 | Ahmed A Abdullahi | 1984 | 1985 |
16 | Abubakar Tanko Ayuba | 1985 | 1987 |
17 | David Mark | 1988 | 1990 |
18 | Olawale Adeniji Ige | 1990 | 1993 |
19 | Dapo Sarumi | 1993 | 1993 |
20 | Abubakar Rimi | 1993 | 1995 |
21 | Tajudeen Olanrewaju | 1995 | 1997 |
22 | Patrick Aziza | 1997 | 1998 |
23 | Canice Umenwaliri | 1998 | 1999 |
24 | Mohammed Arzika | 1999 | 2001 |
25 | Haliru Mohammed Bello | 2001 | 2003 |
26 | Cornelius Adebayo | 2003 | 2006 |
27 | Obafemi Anibaba | 2006 | 2007 |
28 | Frank Nweke | 2007 | 2007 |
29 | John Odey | 2007 | 2008 |
30 | Dora Akunyili | 2008 | 2010 |
31 | Labaran Maku | 2010 | 2011 |
32 | Omobola Johnson | 2011 | 2015 |
33 | Adebayo Shittu | 2015 | 2019 |
34 | Isa Ali Pantami | 2019 | 2023 |
35 | Bosun Tijani | 2023 | Incumbent |
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Department In Ministery Of Communication, Innovation, And Digital Economy In Nigeria
- E-Government
- Finance and Account
- General Services
- Human Resource Management
- Information and Communication Technology
- National Frequency Management Council
- Planning, Research and Statistics
- Procurement
- Radio Monitoring and Survey
- Reform Coordination
- Spectrum Management
- Telecommunications and Postal Service
Agencies Under The Ministry Og Communication, Innovation, And Digital Economy In Nigeria
- Galaxy Backbone
- National Communications Commission (NCC)
- National Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
- National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)
- Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)
- Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)
Who Was The First Minister Of Communication, Innovation, And Digital Economy In Nigeria?
The first Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Nigeria was Chief Arthur Prest. He was a notable figure in Nigeria’s political history, born in 1906 to a biracial family.
His father was a ship captain from England, and his mother was an Itsekiri royal. Arthur Prest began his career in law enforcement, becoming the first Nigerian commissioned officer in the police force.
His passion for law led him to study in England, and he returned to Nigeria to register as a lawyer in 1947. Prest’s political career started when he represented the Warri district in the Western Regional House of Assembly.
In 1950, he co-founded the Mid-West Party with Anthony Enahoro. By 1952, he was appointed the federal minister for communications.
During this time, he worked alongside notable leaders such as Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello in the fight for Nigeria’s independence.
Prest also served as a regional minister in Ibadan and held other influential positions, including the High Commissioner for Nigeria in the UK. He was also a High Court Judge in the Mid-Western Region.
Aside from his political career, Arthur Prest fathered many children who continued his legacy in different fields. His son, Chief Michael Godwin Prest, became a prominent lawyer and political figure.
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Who Is The New Minister Of Communication, Innovation, And Digital Economy In Nigeria?
Bosun Tijani is the new Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Nigeria. He took office on August 21, 2023, under President Bola Tinubu. Tijani is a politician and a successful entrepreneur.
He was born on July 20, 1977, in Agege, Lagos, Nigeria, and spent his early life there. He moved to Abeokuta for his secondary education before studying at the University of Jos, where he graduated with a degree in Economics in 2002.
Tijani is well-educated, having also earned a Master’s degree in Information Systems and Management from Warwick Business School in the UK in 2007. Recently, he completed his PhD in innovation and economic development from the University of Leicester.
His research focused on how countries, especially in Africa, can create better systems to support innovation and economic growth. Tijani co-founded the Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), a technology and innovation center in Nigeria.
He led many initiatives there that helped startups and businesses grow. Under his leadership, CcHUB expanded to Kenya and Rwanda. However, Tijani is expected to drive Nigeria’s digital economy forward.
He aims to improve communication technologies and promote innovation. Tijani has also worked with international organizations, including the International Trade Centre in Switzerland and Hewlett Packard.
Also, Tijani is a family man. He lives in Abuja and Leicester with his wife, Moji, and their three children. With Bosun Tijani as the new Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Nigeria has a chance to boost its technology sector and enhance its digital economy.