*Seeks Global Cooperation Against Disinformation At DICAN Conference
Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on Wednesday proffered solutions that will guarantee global peace and security.
According to him, diplomacy, intelligence and the media are key ingredient for peace and security in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
For peace and security in Nigeria, he specifically sought for global cooperation to tackle disinformation campaigns in the country.
He spoke 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, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, noted that the conference is coming at a time of growing geopolitical volatility, as the international system is contending with new and evolving threats state and non-state conflicts.
Other growing issues, he said, are the weaponisation of disinformation, resurgent protectionism, technological disruptions, and a widening trust deficit between nations and within societies.
Nigeria, he said, is not immune to the trends.
He said that one of the more pernicious threats facing diplomacy today is the rise of strategic misperceptions fuelled not by misunderstanding alone, but by orchestrated disinformation, deepfake technologies, and hostile narratives.
Nigeria, he said, has experienced this firsthand: from manipulated media in conflict zones to false reporting on democratic processes and military operations.
Ambassador Tuggar said such distortions erode trust, escalate tensions, and hinder international cooperation.
The Minister 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."
Ambassador Tuggar went on "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." he stated
Stressing that the challenges facing Nigeria cannot be tackled in isolation, he therefore called for for International Collaboration.
"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 stated
Concluding, the Minister 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 organized 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, appreciated and noted the role DICAN is playing to support Nigeria's diplomacy.
Urging DICAN to uphold high standard of professionalism, he said, their work goes beyond just reporting, but to verify, remain guided by national interest, and patriotism.
Stressing that the Ministry is committed to strengthening DICAN, Amb Akinyemi said "We can build a more resilient and respected foreign service."
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Director Plans 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.
The Registrar General of Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Henry Mbadiwe, urged journalists to pay attention to what they say and do.
Stressing that the pen should be mightier that the sword, he said, it shouldn't be used as a sword.
After the opening session, the conference went into technical session and panel discussion.
There was also awards presentation to some Nigerians during the conference.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps and other key stakeholders attended the conference.