By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital technologies into Nigeria’s foreign policy, as it seeks to strengthen the country’s diplomatic capacity and leadership in an increasingly technology-driven global landscape.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, stated this while declaring open the Second Seminar on Anticipatory, Cyber and Digital Diplomacy (ACDD 2.0) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The two-day seminar, themed “From Awareness to Activation: Operationalizing AI, Cyber and Digital Statecraft for Nigeria’s Foreign Policy,” brings together diplomats, government officials, development partners, technology experts, academics and policymakers to examine how emerging technologies can be deployed to advance Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives.
Enikanolaiye said the future of diplomacy would be shaped not only by traditional instruments of statecraft but also by countries’ ability to harness information and communication technology and adapt to rapidly evolving global realities.
He noted that the seminar builds on the success of its maiden edition in 2025, which led to the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ International Organizations Department.
According to him, the unit, once fully operational, will coordinate Nigeria’s engagement on emerging technologies, strengthen the country’s participation in global digital governance processes and ensure that its diplomatic engagements reflect the strategic implications of technological advancements.
The minister observed that advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technology are transforming international relations by reshaping how nations communicate, negotiate and pursue their national interests.
He stressed that the changing diplomatic environment presents both opportunities and challenges, making it imperative for Nigeria to adopt a proactive and adaptive foreign policy.
“Anticipatory diplomacy requires a shift from reactive approaches to proactive engagement. It calls for stronger institutional readiness, enhanced digital capabilities within our diplomatic service and deeper cooperation among government institutions, academia, technology experts and international partners,” he said.
Enikanolaiye urged participants to develop practical recommendations that would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic institutions and improve the country’s preparedness to deploy AI and digital tools across its foreign missions.
He also challenged stakeholders to assess the readiness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad to operate effectively in an era increasingly defined by digital innovation.
The minister commended the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for driving initiatives that position Nigeria to respond to emerging global trends.
He also expressed appreciation to the British High Commission in Abuja for supporting the seminar, describing the partnership as vital to promoting innovation, capacity building and international cooperation in diplomacy.
Enikanolaiye reiterated 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 representing the country’s interests in future global conversations on technology and diplomacy.
He expressed confidence that the seminar’s recommendations would enhance Nigeria’s foreign policy and reinforce its position as a leader in diplomatic innovation across Africa and beyond before formally declaring the seminar open.
