DICAN to Host Global Summit on Combating Disinformation and Protecting Investment

DICAN to Host Global Summit on Combating Disinformation and Protecting Investment

By: Michael Mike

The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) will convene its second Diplomatic, Security, Trade, and Investment International Conference on May 20, 2026, in Abuja, in a move aimed at tackling the escalating threat of foreign information manipulation and its impact on national security and economic stability.

The summit will focus on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), a growing form of hybrid warfare that can distort public perception, undermine diplomatic relations, and deter foreign investment. Organisers say the conference will serve as a platform for shaping international strategies to detect, neutralise, and prevent the weaponisation of false information.

DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, explained that the event seeks to “promote collaborative truth across borders, ensuring that misinformation does not destabilise local markets or scare away investors.” He added that building a secure information environment is essential for sustainable trade, investment, and diplomacy.

The summit will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including diplomats, intelligence officials, media professionals, regulators, and business leaders, with the aim of strengthening coordination across key sectors. Discussions will cover international standards for countering state-sponsored disinformation, improving early-warning systems for hybrid threats, and reinforcing credible reporting 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. He will be joined by high-profile facilitators, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, alongside security experts, regulators, and private sector leaders.

The conference follows the success of DICAN’s inaugural international gathering in July 2025, which attracted representatives from over 60 diplomatic missions, civil society organisations, and academic institutions.

Organisers say the 2026 summit is particularly timely as governments, media, and businesses worldwide face unprecedented challenges from misinformation campaigns, which threaten to disrupt trade, erode trust, and destabilise economies.

By convening leading voices across diplomacy, intelligence, media, and business, DICAN aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard information integrity, protect investment flows, and ensure that the country remains a stable and attractive hub for international commerce.

This event underscores a growing recognition that defending truth in the digital age is not only a matter of public information but a strategic priority for national security and economic growth.

DICAN to Host Global Summit on Combating Disinformation and Protecting Investment