Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has called for global cooperation in the efforts towards tackling disinformation and misinformation.
He made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) Diplomatic/Security International Conference 2025.
The conference was themed: “Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy in an Era of Global Insecurity, Strategic Misperceptions, and Disinformation: Advancing Diplomacy, Leveraging Intelligence, and Engaging the Media for National and Global Stability”.
The Minister also identified diplomacy, intelligence and the media as key ingredients for peace and security in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
Tuggar who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said non state actors and some state actors are weaponising disinformation, resurgent protectionism, technological disruptions, and a widening trust deficit between nations and societies, noting that Nigeria, was not immune to the trends.
He noted that one of the major threats facing diplomacy today is the rise of strategic misperceptions fuelled not by misunderstanding alone, but by orchestrated disinformation, deepfake technologies, and hostile narratives.
He said Nigeria has experienced this firsthand: from manipulated media in conflict zones to false reporting on democratic processes and military operations.
He said: “It is a profound honour to address you today on a subject that sits at the intersection of foreign policy, security, strategic communication, and our collective global future.
“Permit me to begin by reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace, multilateral cooperation, and principled diplomacy. These values anchor our foreign policy and guide our engagement on the international stage.
“The antidote to these distortions lies in a tripartite alignment:
“Diplomacy: It remains the most tested instrument of peace and understanding. Our diplomats are frontline actors in countering misperception with truth, building alliances, and protecting Nigeria’s image and interests abroad.
“Intelligence: Foreign policy must now be data-driven and security-aware.
“We are deepening coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and intelligence agencies to anticipate threats, assess partners, and engage with foresight.”
He added: “Media: The media—traditional and digital—shapes perception before policy is understood. That is why Nigeria has adopted a proactive public diplomacy approach, engaging international media platforms and investing in narrative sovereignty.
“We must move from reactive communication to strategic communication, projecting not only our policies but also our values, vision, and voice.”
The Minister stressed that the challenges facing Nigeria cannot be tackled in isolation, calling for International Collaboration.
He said: “Greater international cooperation in tackling disinformation campaigns; Support for capacity building in digital diplomacy for developing nations;
“More inclusive multilateral frameworks that acknowledge demographic diversity;
“And renewed commitment to Africa’s peace architecture where Nigeria continues to play a leading role through ECOWAS and the African Union.”
He also said: “As we navigate the uncertainties of this age, let us be guided not by fear, but by the firm conviction that diplomacy—when grounded in truth, driven by intelligence, and amplified by responsible media can restore stability to our world.
“Nigeria stands ready to work with all who share these ideals.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman of DICAN, Mr. Idehai Frederick, noted that the event was organised in response to the growing need for journalists covering diplomatic and security beats to be adequately equipped to report accurately and responsibly in an increasingly complex global environment.
On his part, the Director Foreign Service Reforms and Innovation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinyemi, noted that the role DICAN is playing to support Nigeria’s diplomacy.
He urged DICAN to uphold high standards of professionalism, insisting that their work goes beyond just reporting, but to verify, remain guided by national interest, and patriotism.
He assured that the Ministry is committed to strengthening DICAN, stating that: “We can build a more resilient and respected foreign service.”
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Director Planning at the Defence Headquarters, A. Haruna, noted that a well-informed citizenry will go a long way to ensure peace and security in the country.
Congratulating DICAN for bringing together national and international stakeholders, former Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, said that the theme is apt given the urgent need to strengthen security and economy.
He also canvassed support for DICAN to continue to perform its roles.
On his part, Mr. Abdul-Rahman Balogun, Director, Media, Publicity and Protocol Unit, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) who represented the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, urged members to discourage all sources of disinformation.
He further encouraged the association to work closely with NIDCOM in educating Nigerians, especially those abroad, on the commission’s mandate.
He said: “Our National Diaspora Policy is accessible on our website. Yet, we still get complaints from Nigerians in the UK about school fees, which is beyond NIDCOM’s mandate.”
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Kabiru Abdullahi, noted that the spread of fake news and disinformation constitutes a crime that should concern every stakeholder.
He stressed that journalists must be guided by professionalism, credibility, and ethical standards in their reportage.
The Registrar General of Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, urged journalists to pay attention to what they say and do.
He noted that the pen should be mightier than the sword, it shouldn’t be used as a sword.
The highpoint of the conference was the awards presentation to some prominent Nigerians.
Michael Olugbode
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