The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and X owner Elon Musk, have been included in the 2025 TIME100 Artificial Intelligence (AI) list.
TIME made this known via a list published on its website on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
This was also confirmed by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the minister, Isime Esene, in a statement on Thursday.
Esene stated that the list is a recognition of the 100 most influential people in AI.
He said on assembling the list, TIME’s editors and reporters examined the key stories in AI over the past year and consulted with expert sources and industry leaders for recommendations.
“The result is a list of 100 leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers who have a stake in the future of AI,” Esene noted.
The minister’s spokesman said Tijani’s inclusion in the prestigious list reflected Nigeria’s growing leadership in advancing AI for inclusive and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Tijani said from the National AI Strategy (NAIS), the ministry got over 120 experts of Nigerian descent to co-create the long-term strategy for the responsible use and development of AI.
According to Tijani, this is to research and demonstration initiatives showing the potential and practical use cases for AI in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion.
The minister said: “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.”
The minister expressed commitment to ensure that AI drives innovation and also 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 added.
Click here to see the full list.
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