Every so often, Nigerians rise into roles that shape conversations far beyond the country’s borders. Over the past two years, a wave of new appointments has seen Nigerian professionals, technocrats and creatives step into powerful international positions.
When Nigerians excel beyond the nation’s borders, they do more than lift their own names; they project the country’s talent, resilience and ingenuity onto the global stage. Their successes are not only personal milestones but also collective victories that remind the world of Nigeria’s depth of talent and influence.
Check out these 10 Nigerians who have put Nigeria on the global stage:
- Dr Abubakar Dantsoho – Vice President for Africa, IAPH
Appointed on 26 August 2025, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, became Vice President for Africa of the International Association for Ports and Harbours in Tokyo. With years in maritime administration, he now represents Africa’s voice in a body that sets the agenda for global shipping and port reforms.
- Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu – UICC President-Elect 2024–2026
In October 2023, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu was elected President-Elect of the Union for International Cancer Control, making her the first African to lead the 90-year-old organisation. Known for her advocacy on cancer awareness in Nigeria, she will oversee international collaborations on cancer prevention and treatment between 2024 and 2026.
- Dr Bosun Tijani – Vice Chair, ITU Council 2025
On 17 June 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, was elected Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union Council in Geneva. His appointment, the first for a Nigerian in five decades, reflects his track record in building technology ecosystems and advocating digital transformation.
- Dr Omoniyi Ibietan – Secretary General, APRA
At the May 2024 annual general meeting of the African Public Relations Association in Abidjan, communication strategist and author Dr Omoniyi Ibietan was elected Secretary General. His role is pivotal in strengthening the reputation of African public relations on the international stage while amplifying African perspectives in global communication practice.
- Maryam Bukar Hassan (“Alhanislam”) – UN Global Advocate for Peace
On 27 July 2025, poet and spoken word artist Maryam Bukar Hassan, popularly known as Alhanislam, was appointed the United Nations’ first Global Advocate for Peace. Her art, rooted in social justice and reconciliation, has made her a voice for young people. This appointment recognises the power of creativity in fostering peace where politics alone may falter.
- Bashir Adewale Adeniyi – Chairperson, WCO Council
On 28 June 2025, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was unanimously elected Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation in Brussels. He made history as the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old body, known for setting customs standards for 186 member states.
- Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu – Head, WHO Health Emergencies Programme
Effective 16 June 2025, epidemiologist Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu was appointed Executive Director of the World Health Organisation’s Health Emergencies Programme. Formerly the head of Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control, he brings his deep expertise in surveillance and outbreak response to one of the most critical departments in global health.
- Dr Ayoade Alakija – Co-Chair, Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (Renewed Term)
In early 2024, Dr Ayoade Alakija’s leadership as co-chair of the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator was renewed. A physician and humanitarian, she has become a key figure in ensuring equitable vaccine and medical access across low and middle-income countries. Her role continues to spotlight Nigeria’s contribution to global health equity.
- Professor Attahiru Jega – Board Member, International IDEA
In 2024, Professor Attahiru Jega, the former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, was appointed to the Board of International IDEA (Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance). His appointment reflects his decades of electoral reform work and positions him within an organisation that advises over 100 countries on strengthening democracy.
- Amaka Osakwe – UNESCO Creative Cities Advisory Board Member
In 2024, celebrated Nigerian fashion designer Amaka Osakwe, founder of Maki Oh, joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network’s Advisory Board. Her appointment recognises her role in redefining African fashion on a global scale and offers Nigeria a cultural voice in shaping creative economies worldwide.
These appointments demonstrate that Nigeria’s influence extends beyond its borders. From global health and telecommunications to culture, ports and peacebuilding, Nigerians are shaping international policy and practice in ways that command respect. Each new role adds to a mosaic of achievement that reminds us of what is possible when expertise, passion and persistence meet opportunity. The world is watching, and Nigerians are delivering.
