The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) has announced plans to host its second Diplomatic, Security, Trade and Investment International Conference on May 20, 2026, in Abuja, as part of efforts to address the growing threat of disinformation and its impact on national security and economic stability.
The conference will focus on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), a form of hybrid threat increasingly used to distort public perception, strain diplomatic relations, and discourage foreign investment. Organisers say the summit will provide a platform for developing coordinated international strategies to detect, counter, and prevent the spread of harmful false information.
DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, said the initiative is aimed at fostering cross-border collaboration to safeguard truth and maintain investor confidence. He noted that a secure information environment is critical to sustaining trade, diplomacy, and economic growth.
The event is expected to attract a broad range of stakeholders, including diplomats, intelligence officials, media practitioners, regulators, and business leaders. Key discussions will centre on global standards for tackling state-backed disinformation, strengthening early-warning mechanisms for hybrid threats, and promoting credible journalism to protect national interests.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who serves as DICAN’s Grand Patron, will deliver the keynote address. Other notable participants include the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, alongside security experts and private sector leaders.
The upcoming conference builds on the success of DICAN’s inaugural summit held in July 2025, which drew participants from more than 60 diplomatic missions, civil society organisations, and academic institutions.
Organisers подчерк that the 2026 edition comes at a critical time, as governments, businesses, and media organisations worldwide grapple with increasingly sophisticated misinformation campaigns capable of undermining trust, disrupting markets, and weakening economic systems.
Through the summit, DICAN aims to position Nigeria as a key player in global efforts to strengthen information integrity, protect investment flows, and enhance the country’s standing as a stable destination for international business.
The initiative reflects a growing consensus that combating disinformation is not only a media concern but a strategic imperative for national security and sustainable economic development.
