The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital statecraft into Nigeria’s foreign policy, saying the country must adopt a proactive diplomatic approach to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global environment.
The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made this known on Tuesday while delivering the opening remarks at the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy (ACDD 2.0), organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “From Awareness to Activation: Operationalising AI, Cyber and Digital Statecraft for Nigeria’s Foreign Policy,” the minister said the seminar reflects Nigeria’s determination to move beyond discussions and begin practical implementation of digital diplomacy initiatives.
He noted that the second edition builds on the success of the maiden seminar held in 2025, which led to the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry’s International Organizations Department.
According to him, the unit will serve as the focal point for coordinating Nigeria’s engagement on emerging technologies, strengthening the country’s participation in global digital governance processes and ensuring that diplomatic engagements adequately reflect the strategic implications of technological innovation.
Enikanolaiye observed that advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technologies are transforming the conduct of diplomacy by reshaping how nations communicate, negotiate and pursue their national interests.
He said the evolving global environment requires Nigeria to adopt a forward-looking foreign policy capable of responding to emerging opportunities and challenges.
“The contemporary international system is undergoing a profound transformation where the boundaries between diplomacy, economics, security, science and technology are becoming increasingly fluid,” he said.
The minister stressed that anticipatory diplomacy requires a shift from reactive responses to proactive engagement, backed by stronger institutional readiness, enhanced digital capabilities within the diplomatic service and closer collaboration among government institutions, academia, technology experts and international partners.
He urged participants drawn from the diplomatic corps, government agencies, academia, development partners and the ICT community to focus on practical recommendations that would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic capacity in the digital age.
According to him, the seminar will examine strategies for integrating AI, cyber capabilities and digital tools into Nigeria’s foreign policy framework to enhance strategic communication, expand diplomatic reach and advance national interests.
Enikanolaiye also challenged stakeholders to assess the preparedness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s missions abroad to effectively deploy digital technologies in diplomatic engagements.
He expressed confidence that deliberations during the two-day seminar would produce actionable recommendations capable of reinforcing Nigeria’s regional, continental and global leadership.
The minister commended the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for promoting proactive engagement on emerging diplomatic issues and acknowledged the support of the British High Commission in Abuja for partnering with the ministry to host the seminar.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s Foreign Service through specialised training, improved institutional frameworks and the development of digitally competent diplomats equipped to participate effectively in global conversations on technology and diplomacy.
Enikanolaiye formally declared the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy open, expressing optimism that the event would inspire innovation, collaboration and practical action towards advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives in the digital era.
