Connect with us

National News

Nigeria Sets for Cyber, Digital Diplomacy, Creates Cyber Unit at Foreign Ministry

Published

on

Nigeria Sets for Cyber, Digital Diplomacy, Creates Cyber Unit at Foreign Ministry

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar on Tuesday announced the creation of a Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry as part of the efforts to keep the nation’s diplomatic cycle abreast of happenings in the cyber and digital space.

Tuggar noted that the unit is to coordinate Nigeria’s cyber and digital-related foreign policy and ensure Nigeria’s voice becomes influential in international cyberspace governance.

He noted that this has become imperative in the evolving technological space, which has come to redefine the foundations of diplomacy.

The Minister speaking at the seminar on anticipatory cyber, digital diplomacy organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; an initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and equip diplomats with the necessary tools to confront the challenges of the emerging digital age, said: “In the spirit of this forward-looking vision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a dedicated Cyber Diplomacy Unit. The Unit’s mandate is clear: to coordinate Nigeria’s cyber-related foreign policy across all diplomatic platforms, build capacity for cyber negotiations, champion ethical and inclusive digital governance, foster public–private partnerships for national cyber resilience and ensure that Nigeria’s voice is influential in global cyberspace governance.”

He explained that: “We are living through a historic transformation. The convergence of disruptive technologies, shifting geopolitical alignments, and deepening digital interdependence is redefining the foundations of diplomacy.

“From artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to the geopolitics of data and the militarisation of cyberspace, the very nature of statecraft is being rewritten before our eyes.

“Nigeria must not be a mere bystander, we must act with purpose, to position ourselves as a principled, capable and forward-looking actor in the evolving global digital order.”

The Minister further stressed that the new global order as orchestrated by technology “requires embedding anticipatory, cyber and digital diplomacy into the core of our foreign service, our national security architecture and our multilateral engagements.”

Tuggar noted that “anticipatory diplomacy provides us with the ability to detect early warning signals, foresee systemic shocks and plan strategically for the future, whether in the global race for critical minerals, the regulation of artificial intelligence, or the restructuring of global supply chains.”

He therefore stated that the nation’s “diplomats must be trained, not merely to react, but to influence events before they unfold.”

The Minister stressed that cyber diplomacy is about how we reach global standards to combat cybercrime and cyberwarfare, “how we balance national sovereignty with bilateral treaties and multilateral co-operation. It is how we engage with our partners to tackle malicious activities, protect critical infrastructure and support the integrity of elections and other interests vital to peace, stability and progress. Cyber diplomacy is about how we work together on data privacy, internet freedom and control over information. It is about working together on capacity building and sharing expertise. We hear a lot about AI.”

He added that “The purpose of cyber diplomacy is to help systems to catch up, to promote the best technology can do to accelerate growth, stability and freedom.”

He therefore said that the country can learn from parallel initiatives, such as the 2018 Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, or the EU’s Cyberdiplomacy toolbox.

He also disclosed that the challenges confronting the country are urgent, and delicate; with state-sponsored hacking, as well as criminal and non-state actors, which has brought the country into the global equation mix.

“As we seek greater influence within ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations, our engagement must be anchored in sovereignty, trust, and innovation.

“​We must lead Africa’s digital future, training a new generation of cyber negotiators, expanding regional incident response capabilities, and championing African-led solutions to global digital challenges. This includes advancing climate-conscious data practices and ethical AI development,” he added.

The minister described as Nigeria’s digital gift to the world the launch of the Anticipatory, Cyber, and Digital Diplomacy Masterclass Series for diplomats from Africa and the Global South.

He said it is an open platform designed to build a globally competitive diplomatic corp.

On his part, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi said the Federal Ministry of Justice has a crucial role to play in this new diplomatic paradigm, to ensure legal

frameworks are updated to address these emerging challenges.

He assured that the Ministry is committed to collaborating with security agencies,

foreign affairs officials, the private sector, and civil society to build a comprehensive and effective strategy.

Fagbemi said: “You will agree with me that the 21st century has introduced a

paradigm shift in the nature of conflict, communication, and cooperation, demanding a fundamental transformation of traditional statecraft. The rise of a globally interconnected digital

landscape presents both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges, rendering traditional diplomatic methods insufficient.

“As Nigeria’s Chief Law Officer, the Ministry of Justice is positioned to address this new reality with strategies that are proactive,

technologically astute, and ethically grounded.”

Nigeria Sets for Cyber, Digital Diplomacy, Creates Cyber Unit at Foreign Ministry

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National News

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

Published

on

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.

The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.

A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.

“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.

Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.

These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001

This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.

And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.

The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

Continue Reading

National News

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

Published

on

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.

This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.

The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).

The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).

Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.

Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.

He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.

“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.

“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.

Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.

He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

Continue Reading

National News

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

Published

on

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

By: Michael Mike

The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.

The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.

The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.

His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.

In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.

He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.

The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights