The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a Cyber Diplomacy Unit to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in the global digital space and align foreign policy with emerging technologies.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, announced the initiative on Tuesday in Abuja during a seminar on “Anticipatory Cyber, Digital Diplomacy.”
He said the unit was created to ensure Nigeria remains an active player in shaping the future of international digital governance.
According to Tuggar, the Cyber Diplomacy Unit will coordinate the country’s cyber-related foreign policy, support international negotiations, foster partnerships that enhance cyber resilience, and amplify Nigeria’s voice in global cyberspace governance.
“The unit’s mandate is clear—champion ethical and inclusive digital governance, build strong public and private partnerships for national cyber resilience, and ensure Nigeria’s influence in global cyberspace,” the minister stated.
Highlighting the growing impact of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, data geopolitics, and the militarisation of cyberspace, Tuggar stressed that technology is reshaping diplomacy.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to act with purpose to secure its role in the evolving global digital order.
He further explained that cyber diplomacy is key to protecting critical infrastructure, countering online threats, safeguarding election integrity, and addressing data privacy and internet freedom.
“Diplomats must be trained not only to react but to shape outcomes before they unfold,” he noted.
“Cyber diplomacy is about cooperation on data privacy, internet freedom, and building collective expertise.”
The minister added that anticipatory diplomacy will help Nigeria detect early warning signals, prepare for systemic shocks, and strategically position itself in areas such as critical mineral resources, artificial intelligence regulation, and global supply chain restructuring.