List Of All Ministers Of Communications, Innovation, And Digital Economy In Nigeria (1952-Present)
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Nigeria was created in 1952. It started as a way to improve communication services in the country, such as telephones and postal services.
However, the ministry has changed and grown to focus more on technology and the digital economy. Today, the ministry works to develop policies that help Nigeria use technology for economic growth and improve services for its citizens.
It aims to make Nigeria a leader in digital innovation. Here is a list of all the ministers of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy In Nigeria from 1952 till date, from the colonial to the Fourth Republic:
Name | Term of Office |
---|---|
Arthur Prest | 1952 - 1955 |
K O Mbadiwe | 1955 - 1957 |
Ladoke Akintola | 1957 - 1959 |
Olu Akinfosile | 1 October 1960 - 1964 |
Raymond Njoku | 1964 - 15 January 1966 |
Aminu Kano | 12 June 1967 - 13 January 1972 |
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka | 13 January 1972 - 1 August 1974 |
Murtala Muhammed | 7 August 1974 - 29 July 1975 |
Silvanus Olatunde Williams | August 1975 - 1977 |
Oberu Aribiah | 24 July 1978 - 1979 |
Akanbi Oniyangi | December 1979 - 1981 |
Isaac Shaahu | 1981 - February 1982 |
Audu Ogbeh | February 1982 - October 1983 |
Emmanuel Adiele | October 1983 - December 1983 |
Ahmed A Abdullahi | January 1984 - August 1985 |
Abubakar Tanko Ayuba | August 1985 - 23 December 1987 |
David Mark | January 1988 - June 1990 |
Olawale Adeniji Ige | June 1990 - January 1993 |
Dapo Sarumi | August 1993 - 17 November 1993 |
Abubakar Rimi | 25 November 1993 - March 1995 |
Tajudeen Olanrewaju | March 1995 - December 1997 |
Patrick Aziza | December 1997 - August 1998 |
Canice Umenwaliri | August 1998 - 1999 |
Mohammed Arzika | June 1999 - 12 June 2001 |
Haliru Mohammed Bello | June 2001 - May 2003 |
Cornelius Adebayo | July 2003 - August 2006 |
Obafemi Anibaba | September 2006 - January 2007 |
Frank Nweke | January 2007 - May 2007 |
John Odey | 26 July 2007 - 17 December 2008 |
Dora Akunyili | 17 December 2008 - 15 December 2010 |
Labaran Maku | 15 December 2010 - May 2011 |
Omobola Johnson | 24 July 2011 - November 2015 |
Adebayo Shittu | 11 November 2015 - 28 May 2019 |
Isa Ali Pantami | 21 August 2019 - 29 May 2023 |
Bosun Tijani | 21 August 2023 - Incumbent |
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Who Was The First Minister Of Communications Innovation And Digital Economy In Nigeria?
The first Minister of Communications in Nigeria was Chief Arthur Edward Prest, who served from 1952 to 1955. Prest was a notable politician with a rich background and major contributions to Nigeria’s political space.
Arthur Prest was born on February 10, 1906, in Warri, southern Nigeria. He came from a biracial family; his father was an English ship captain and merchant, while his mother was an Itsekiri royal, Princess Mami Ogbe, the daughter of the Olu of Warri.
However, Prest had a distinguished education. He studied law in England and became the first Nigerian to be a commissioned officer in the police force.
He registered at the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1947 to mark the beginning of his legal and political career. In 1950, Prest co-founded the Mid-West Party with Anthony Enahoro.
This party became part of the Action Group in 1951. Prest held various positions, including regional minister in Ibadan and deputy leader to Obafemi Awolowo.
His appointment as the federal minister for communications in 1952 was a notable milestone in his career. He was actively involved in Nigeria’s struggle for independence and participated in the Lancaster House talks that negotiated the country’s freedom.
Prest focused on improving communication services in Nigeria, which was important for national development. Prest’s legacy includes his contributions to Nigeria’s independence and the development of its communication infrastructure.
He was also involved in a landmark court case in 1971 concerning land rights in Warri, which highlighted his dedication to legal matters and community rights.
Chief Arthur Prest had a fulfilling family life. He had several children, including his son, Chief Michael Godwin Prest, who became a successful lawyer and politician.
Michael Prest was Chief of Staff to President Shehu Shagari in 1979. Sadly, Chief Arthur Prest passed away on September 26, 1976.
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Who Is The Minister Of Communications Innovation And Digital Economy In Nigeria?
Olatunbosun Tijani is the current Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Nigeria. He was appointed to this position in 2023.
Tijani is not only a politician but also a well-known entrepreneur who has made notable contributions to the tech industry in Nigeria and beyond.
Tijani was born in Agege, Lagos, Nigeria. He completed his secondary education in Abeokuta and then went on to the University of Jos, where he initially studied Computer Science before switching to Economics.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2002. Tijani furthered his education by obtaining an MSc in Information Systems and Management from Warwick Business School in 2007.
Most recently, in 2023, he completed a PhD in innovation and economic development from the University of Leicester, focusing on how innovation is adopted in developing countries.
Tijani had a diverse career. He worked at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, where he focused on developing businesses across Africa, including Ethiopia, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Later, at Hewlett Packard, he managed educational initiatives across the continent, setting up learning centers in various institutions.
In 2007, he joined Pera Innovation Network as a European Innovation Manager, where he coordinated innovation projects across Europe.
Tijani co-founded CcHUB (Co-Creation Hub) in 2010, which played a huge part in turning Yaba, Lagos, into a tech hub. Under his leadership, CcHUB launched several projects in areas like healthcare and civic engagement.
Tijani has been active in promoting digital transformation in Nigeria. He has introduced initiatives aimed at improving digital literacy and expanding broadband access across the country.
One of his key projects is the 3 Million Tech Talents (3MTT) Programme, which seeks to train over three million young Nigerians in IT skills by 2030. Tijani’s work focuses on leveraging technology to boost Nigeria’s economy and improve public services.
He is also involved in drafting important legislation, such as the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, which aims to modernize how government services are delivered. Tijani lives in Abuja, Nigeria, and Leicester, UK, with his wife, Moji, and their three children.