By Mercy Peter
The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) has announced plans to convene its second Diplomatic, Security, Trade, and Investment International Conference.
The conference, according to a statement by DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, and will focus strongly on tackling the rising threat of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).
The high-level summit is expected to draw diplomats, intelligence officials, media professionals, policymakers, and business leaders from across Nigeria and the international community to address what experts describe as a growing form of hybrid warfare capable of undermining global stability.
FIMI, which involves the deliberate spread of false or misleading information by state and non-state actors, has increasingly become a tool used to influence political outcomes, weaken institutions, and disrupt economic activities. Analysts warn that such practices can erode trust in governance systems and discourage foreign investment.
Idehai said the event is designed to foster “collaborative truth” as a strategic response to disinformation threats.
“A secure information environment is essential for strong trade and investment. Misinformation can scare away foreign investors and destabilize local markets,” he stated.
He explained that the summit would provide a platform for cross-sector collaboration, bringing together key actors in diplomacy, intelligence, media, and commerce to develop coordinated responses to information threats.
The conference aims to advance discussions on establishing international norms to counter state-sponsored disinformation, strengthening mechanisms for detecting and neutralizing hybrid threats, and promoting ethical and accurate reporting standards to safeguard national and economic interests.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who serves as DICAN’s Grand Patron, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. He will be joined by notable facilitators, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, alongside security experts, regulators, and private sector stakeholders.
Organisers say the 2026 edition builds on the success of DICAN’s inaugural international conference held in July 2025, which attracted participation from more than 60 diplomatic missions, civil society organisations, and academic institutions.
DICAN hopes the summit will strengthen global and national strategies against the weaponisation of false information, while reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a secure and attractive destination for trade and investment.
