By Ebi Kesiena
The Nigerian Government says it has intensified efforts to position the country as a leader in digital diplomacy by calling for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital statecraft into the country’s foreign policy.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call while declaring open the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy (ACDD 2.0) in Abuja, urging diplomats, policymakers and stakeholders to embrace emerging technologies to enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness, strengthen national security and improve international engagement.
Speaking on the theme, “From Awareness to Activation: Operationalising AI, Cyber and Digital Statecraft for Nigeria’s Foreign Policy,” Enikanolaiye said the seminar was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic capacity by equipping foreign service officers and stakeholders with the digital skills required to navigate an increasingly technology driven global landscape.
He said the initiative would help build a new generation of digitally competent diplomats, deepen Nigeria’s participation in global digital governance and ensure the country’s foreign policy remains responsive to emerging technological realities.
The minister commended the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, for supporting the initiative and expressed appreciation to the British High Commission in Abuja for its partnership in advancing Nigeria’s digital diplomacy agenda.
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, alongside the Chair of the African Union Cybersecurity Experts Group and lead facilitator of the seminar, Mr. Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, urged participants to translate the knowledge gained during the seminar into practical solutions within their respective institutions.
He encouraged government agencies and private organisations to fully leverage artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, innovation and service delivery, while highlighting Nigeria’s growing recognition on the global stage for its increasing adoption and advancement of AI technologies.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and digital safety, stressing that the outcomes of the seminar should lead to concrete policies, stronger partnerships and coordinated action against cyber threats.
Disu said the police would continue to combat cybercrime through intelligence led operations, capacity building and strategic collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and protect citizens from emerging online threats.
The seminar brought together government officials, diplomats, security agencies, technology experts and development partners to explore practical strategies for operationalising AI, cybersecurity and digital diplomacy as key pillars of Nigeria’s foreign policy and national development.
