FG tells diplomats to counter misconceptions with truth

FG tells diplomats to counter misconceptions with truth

The Federal Government has called on Nigerian diplomats and media organisations to adopt a strategic and proactive communication approach that counters disinformation and strengthens the country’s image on the global stage.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made this call in Abuja while declaring open the maiden International Conference on Diplomacy and Security, organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN).

The conference brought together diplomats, security experts, academics, and journalists to deliberate on strategic diplomacy, global security threats, and the growing danger of disinformation in the digital age.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Mr. Alkassim Abdulkadir, Tuggar urged media professionals to move beyond reactive communication and embrace deliberate strategic messaging that not only projects Nigeria’s policies but also its values, vision, and voice.

“Our diplomats and frontline actors must counter misconceptions with truth, build alliances, and protect Nigeria’s image and interests abroad,” he said.

He reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace, multilateral cooperation, and principled diplomacy, saying these values anchor the country’s foreign policy and guide its global engagements.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognises the crucial role of the media in shaping perceptions and advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives. That is why we are open to continued partnership with DICAN to promote professionalism, factual reporting, and capacity building for diplomatic correspondents,” the Minister added.

Tuggar further stated that Nigeria remains committed to supporting all meaningful initiatives that seek to combat disinformation and enhance the integrity of the information space.

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He said sustained investment in strategic communication would foster trust among citizens, development partners, and the diplomatic community.

The conference, themed “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,” featured paper presentations and high-level panel discussions.

President of DICAN, Frederick Idehai, said the event was convened in response to the urgent need for diplomatic and security correspondents to be better equipped to report accurately and responsibly in an increasingly complex global environment.

Idehai called on diplomats and security stakeholders to strengthen engagement with the media to more effectively shape public understanding of their respective policies and initiatives.

Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral I.M. Haruna stressed the importance of deliberate and consistent collaboration between journalists and diplomats in addressing global and transborder security challenges.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by Mr. Abdulrahman Balogun, urged DICAN to uphold professionalism and take the lead in countering fake news through factual reporting.

He called for greater collaboration between the association and NIDCOM in educating Nigerians abroad about the commission’s mandate.

“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,” Balogun said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Kabiru Abdullahi, representing the Inspector General of Police, described the spread of disinformation as a crime and urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, professionalism, and credibility in their reporting.

The conference ended with a call to set up regular meetings between the media and diplomats, organise joint training sessions, and create a fact-checking team to fight the spread of false information that can harm peace in Nigeria and around the world.

FG tells diplomats to counter misconceptions with truth