By mercy Peter
The Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called for more strategic engagement between the media, diplomats, and security experts to effectively address disinformation and promote national stability.
Tuggar made this appeal at the maiden Diplomacy and Security Conference organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) in Abuja.
He stressed that in today’s fast-changing global information space, reactive communication is no longer enough, especially in the face of misinformation, propaganda, and strategic misperceptions that can influence national reputation and diplomatic interests.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mr. Alkassim Abdulkadir, the Minister said: “Nigeria remains committed to supporting all efforts that combat disinformation and improve the credibility of the information space.
“The media plays a central role in shaping global perceptions. That’s why we support continuous collaboration with DICAN to promote professionalism and factual reporting.”
The Minister also emphasized that deliberate investment in strategic communication would not only help improve Nigeria’s image globally but also build trust among citizens, international partners, and the diplomatic community.
The conference, which brought together key stakeholders from the media, diplomatic missions, armed forces, and civil society, focused on the theme: “Nigeria’s 4D 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.”
It featured paper presentations, panel discussions, and practical recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy goals through better media and diplomatic collaboration.
The President of DICAN, Mr. Idehai Frederick, said the conference was convened to enhance the capacity of journalists covering diplomatic and security affairs, and to ensure they are better equipped to report accurately in a complex global environment.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral I.M. Haruna reiterated the importance of consistent communication between journalists and the military in tackling transnational crimes and multidimensional security threats.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa—represented by Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Public Affairs and Protocol encouraged DICAN to maintain professionalism and accuracy, especially when reporting issues involving Nigerians abroad.
“We get complaints from the diaspora community on issues beyond our mandate, such as school fees.
It shows the need for better public education and media engagement on what NIDCOM really does,” he said.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Kabiru Abdullahi highlighted that disinformation is a growing crime and a national concern, stressing the media’s responsibility to adhere to credible, ethical reporting standards.
All parties agreed that going forward, collaboration, professionalism, and strategic communication will be key to Nigeria’s national security and international standing.
The DICAN conference marks an important step in fostering cooperation between the media, government, and security institutions to ensure that accurate information, not falsehoods, shapes public perception and policy.
