The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) has announced plans to hold its second Diplomatic, Security, Trade, and Investment International Conference next month at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a focus on tackling the rising threat of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).
The conference, according to organisers, will examine how disinformation campaigns are increasingly being used as a tool of modern warfare capable of destabilising international relations and undermining trade and investment.
Speaking ahead of the event, DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, said the initiative is aimed at promoting what he described as “collaborative truth” to safeguard global security and economic stability.
“A secure information environment is essential for strong trade and investment. Misinformation can scare away foreign investors and destabilise local markets,” Frederick said.
The summit is expected to convene diplomats, intelligence experts, media professionals, and business leaders to strengthen cooperation across diplomacy, intelligence, and the media sector.
Organisers say the gathering will also work towards establishing international frameworks to counter state-sponsored disinformation, enhance detection of hybrid threats, and promote accurate reporting to protect national and economic interests.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who serves as DICAN’s Grand Patron, will deliver the keynote address. He will be joined by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, alongside security experts, regulators, and private sector leaders.
The conference builds on the success of DICAN’s maiden international summit held last year, which attracted participation from more than 60 diplomatic missions, civil society organisations, and academic institutions.
DICAN noted that by bringing together key stakeholders across diplomacy, intelligence, media, and business, the conference aims to strengthen strategies against the weaponisation of false information and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a safe and attractive investment destination.
