TIME Magazine has named Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, among the 2025 TIME100 Artificial Intelligence honorees, alongside global tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman.
The minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Isime Esene, announced the recognition, describing it as a tribute to 100 influential figures shaping the future of AI.
Esene explained that TIME editors and reporters compiled the list after reviewing major AI developments and consulting with industry leaders over the past year.
“The outcome is a list of 100 leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers with a significant stake in AI’s future,” Esene said.
He stressed that Tijani’s inclusion highlights Nigeria’s growing leadership in advancing artificial intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development.
Reacting to the honor, Tijani cited the National AI Strategy (NAIS), co-created with 120 Nigerian-descendant experts, to drive responsible AI adoption. He said the ministry is spearheading AI research and pilot projects in healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion.
“With partners like Google and the Gates Foundation, Nigeria is scaling mature AI solutions from local innovators,” Tijani noted.
He said the recognition validates Nigeria’s AI leadership vision and supports Tinubu’s one-trillion-dollar economy goal.
