By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital technologies into Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture, as it opened the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy (ACDD 2.0) in Abuja.
The two-day seminar, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is themed: “From Awareness to Activation: Operationalising AI, Cyber and Digital Statecraft for Nigeria’s Foreign Policy.”
Declaring the seminar open on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said the future of diplomacy would increasingly be shaped by emerging technologies, making it imperative for Nigeria to build the institutional capacity required to remain competitive in the evolving global order.
Addressing diplomats, government officials, technology experts, academics and development partners, the minister said the seminar demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to move beyond discussions on digital transformation to the practical deployment of AI and cyber capabilities in advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives.
According to him, the global diplomatic environment is undergoing rapid transformation as technology continues to reshape international relations, security, trade, governance and communication.
He stressed that diplomacy can no longer rely solely on traditional instruments of statecraft, noting that nations must now develop the knowledge, skills and technological capabilities necessary to navigate an increasingly digital world.
“The future of statecraft will increasingly be shaped not only by traditional instruments of power, but by knowledge of information and communication technology and the capacity to adapt to evolving global dynamics,” he said.
Enikanolaiye noted that the 2026 seminar builds on the achievements of the inaugural edition held in 2025, which sparked national conversations on the relationship between diplomacy, emerging technologies and global governance.
he disclosed, was the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry’s International Organizations Department.
According to the minister, once fully operational, the unit will coordinate Nigeria’s engagement on emerging technological issues, strengthen the country’s participation in global digital governance processes and ensure that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements adequately reflect the strategic implications of new technologies.
He observed that advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technology are redefining how countries communicate, negotiate and pursue their national interests, blurring the traditional boundaries between diplomacy, economics, security, science and technology.
Describing the seminar as a critical platform for policy dialogue, Enikanolaiye said it would provide stakeholders with the opportunity to exchange ideas, develop innovative approaches and deepen collaboration aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic capacity in an era of rapid technological change.
He emphasised that anticipatory diplomacy requires governments to move away from reactive approaches toward proactive engagement, backed by stronger institutions, enhanced digital capabilities and closer collaboration among government agencies, academia, technology experts and international partners.
According to him, integrating AI, cyber capabilities and digital tools into Nigeria’s foreign policy framework will strengthen the country’s diplomatic reach, improve strategic communication and better protect national interests.
The minister also challenged participants to critically examine the preparedness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad to effectively respond to emerging technological realities.
He said the seminar should produce practical recommendations that would strengthen institutional capacity and equip Nigerian diplomats with the skills required to operate effectively in the digital age.
Enikanolaiye expressed confidence that the deliberations would contribute to enhancing Nigeria’s foreign policy instruments while reinforcing the country’s leadership role at the regional, continental and global levels.
He commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of the Minister of State, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for its proactive approach to emerging issues in diplomacy and acknowledged the support of the British High Commission in Abuja for partnering with the ministry to organise the seminar.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s Foreign Service through specialised training, improved institutional frameworks and the development of digitally competent diplomats capable of contributing meaningfully to international discussions on technology and diplomacy.
The minister urged participants to focus on actionable outcomes that would position Nigeria at the forefront of diplomatic innovation in Africa and beyond.
