ABUJA, NIGERIA – A significant summit bringing together Nigeria’s diplomatic community, security experts, and policymakers is set to take place in Abuja on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The event, the first Diplomatic/Security International Conference, is being hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN). It will focus on the crucial interplay between diplomacy, national security, and Nigeria’s “4D Foreign Policy Strategy” – Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
The groundbreaking conference, titled “Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misperceptions, and the Age of Disinformation: The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media in Shaping National and Global Stability,” aims to foster collaboration across sectors. It will gather seasoned diplomats, foreign mission representatives, security chiefs, media professionals, researchers, and civil society figures to discuss issues shaping Nigeria’s international engagement and internal stability.
Idehai Frederick, Chairman of DICAN, described the conference as a “bold intellectual platform” designed to bridge the gap between security policy, diplomatic action, and media accountability. “Nigeria is undergoing a deep recalibration of its foreign policy doctrine under the 4D framework,” Mr. Frederick stated. “We believe the media has a crucial role in amplifying these strategies, while experts and diplomats must align security and diplomacy with real-time global shifts. This conference offers that synergy.”
In recognition of their contributions to diplomacy, peacebuilding, national cohesion, and security sector reforms, DICAN will present its prestigious Award of Excellence to 20 distinguished personalities and institutions. Among those set to be honoured are:
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for his ongoing efforts in peace diplomacy and conflict resolution across Africa.
Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for his “trailblazing anti-narcotics reforms.”
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, for promoting regional air links, assisting in crisis evacuations, and supporting national diplomacy through aviation logistics.
The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Nigeria, for its consistent diplomatic engagement and support for bilateral cooperation.
The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions. Confirmed speakers include Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (Chief Host); the Minister of Defence; the Minister of Interior; Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS; the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad; as well as Nigeria’s Service Chiefs and selected heads of foreign missions.
DICAN, as the umbrella body for journalists covering diplomatic and foreign affairs in Nigeria, views this international conference as a critical national dialogue to reinforce Nigeria’s position in global diplomacy while addressing domestic security challenges. “We are living in an era where diplomacy is not just about embassies and bilateral meetings. It is now an essential tool in combating transnational threats, shaping economic development, and projecting national interest,” Mr. Frederick added. “This conference creates that rare space for reflective, inclusive discourse.”
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