The 2026 Diplomatic, Security, Trade, and Investment International Conference opened in Abuja on Wednesday with strong calls for global collaboration against misinformation, disinformation, and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), as stakeholders highlighted the growing threat posed by information warfare to security, trade, and diplomacy.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, ably represented by Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ann Iyonu in his remark at the conference held at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warned that fake news, misinformation and manipulated content now pose serious threats to democracy, national security and social stability across Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Information Warfare: Strengthening Global Security, Trade and Investment Through Collaborative Truth; The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence and Media,” the former president described the topic as timely and crucial, particularly for developing democracies facing insecurity, political polarization and disinformation.
According to him, modern conflicts are no longer fought only with weapons but also through false narratives, fake news and deliberate disinformation campaigns capable of creating division and weakening public trust.
Jonathan noted that in Nigeria, unverified information circulated through social media has often fueled ethnic and religious tensions, insecurity and misunderstanding among communities.
He stressed that collaborative efforts involving diplomacy, intelligence agencies and responsible journalism are essential to protecting democracy and strengthening national security.
“The media especially has a sacred responsibility in this digital age. Journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, balance and national responsibility,” he said.
The former president also linked information integrity to the credibility of elections, warning that fake news, propaganda and hate speech during electoral periods could distort public perception, discourage participation and create tension among citizens.
He said democracy can only flourish where citizens trust institutions, respect the rule of law and participate peacefully in governance.
Jonathan urged governments and stakeholders to invest more in civic education, digital literacy, transparency and accountability while promoting dialogue, unity and fact-based engagement.
He commended DICAN for bringing together stakeholders from diplomacy, security, intelligence, trade, investment and the media to discuss solutions to emerging global challenges.
The former president also encouraged young Nigerians and Africans to remain committed to peace, constructive engagement and democratic participation.
Laughing the campaign, the The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, emphasized the critical role of diplomatic journalism in promoting transparency, accountability, and international cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
Ahmed commended DICAN for creating a platform that encourages engagement on diplomacy, security, regional cooperation, and global development.
Ahmed described the media as an indispensable partner in shaping public understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, noting that diplomatic correspondents help project the country’s image positively on the global stage.
He stated that through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening partnerships with the media as the country advances its foreign policy goals centered on national interest, economic diplomacy, regional stability, and the protection of Nigerians abroad. He urged participants at the conference to deepen professional collaboration and explore innovative approaches to diplomatic reporting in the digital era.
The Permanent Secretary also officially launched the Nigeria Fact-Check and Information Integrity Network, an initiative aimed at combating misinformation and promoting responsible information sharing.
According to him, the initiative is built on three key messages translated into English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo: “Verify Before You Share,” “Truth Matters: Build a Stronger, Safer Society,” and “Think Before You Share.” Ahmed congratulated DICAN on the initiative and expressed confidence that the conference deliberations would contribute significantly to strengthening diplomacy and media professionalism in Nigeria.
Speaking at the conference held at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Hongyou, emphasized the critical role of the media in strengthening China-Nigeria relations and promoting factual reporting.
Delivering a goodwill message on the theme, “Strengthening China-Nigeria Friendship: The Media’s Role and Our Shared Mission,” Zhou described the Nigerian media as “faithful recorders” and “powerful communicators” of the long-standing friendship between both countries.
He noted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
According to him, China and Nigeria have continued to build strong cooperation in trade, infrastructure, finance, peace and security, education, culture, and youth development.
The envoy disclosed that China recently granted zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, including Nigeria, to encourage greater access for African goods into the Chinese market.
Zhou also commended Nigerian journalists for what he described as balanced and accurate reporting on issues relating to China, particularly the Taiwan question, while reiterating China’s commitment to the One-China principle.
Quoting from the joint statement issued during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s recognition of Taiwan as an integral part of China and opposition to any form of “Taiwan independence.”
He further pledged continued support for media cooperation between both countries through training, exchange programmes, technological partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives for Nigerian journalists.
According to him, the Chinese Embassy recently sponsored representatives of nearly 20 major Nigerian media organisations to China for study tours and professional exchanges with Chinese media institutions, including Xinhua News Agency and CGTN.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN), Mr. Idehai Frederick, warned that Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference has become a major global security challenge capable of destabilizing economies, elections, and diplomatic relations.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Information Warfare (FIMI): Strengthening Global Security, Trade, and Investment Through Collaborative Truth: Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media,” Frederick said the world was witnessing the “industrialization of deception” driven by advanced generative artificial intelligence technologies.
He stated that over 70 percent of FIMI campaigns now deploy high-fidelity AI tools capable of creating deepfake diplomatic crises and simulated market disruptions faster than conventional fact-checking systems can respond.
Frederick added that information manipulation is estimated to cost the global economy about 100 billion dollars annually through market volatility, reduced investment confidence, and increased security spending.
According to him, the growing use of disinformation to influence elections and undermine democratic processes has turned FIMI into a tool for what he termed “cognitive sovereignty theft.”
The DICAN chairman disclosed that in collaboration with the Centre for Communication Development and Diplomacy in Africa (CCDDA) and PR Nigeria, a coalition of 69 civil society organisations across Nigeria had been mobilized to combat fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
He announced the establishment of six regional Situation Rooms across the country to monitor, verify, and respond to fake news and manipulated content, leading to the creation of the Nigeria Fact-Check & Information Integrity Network (NFIIN).
Frederick said the initiative would promote information integrity, digital responsibility, peace, and public trust through nationwide campaigns, professional training, and institutional coordination.
He also revealed that the conference would officially launch a national and international campaign against FIMI and fake news aimed at strengthening collaboration among intelligence agencies, diplomats, and the media.
The DICAN chairman called on diplomatic missions, development partners, government institutions, and corporate organisations to support the initiative through grants, technical assistance, and sponsorships.
He further announced that the 2027 edition of the conference would focus on the intersection of information warfare with security, migration, and human trafficking.
The conference also featured plans to honour individuals and organisations for exceptional contributions to humanity and public service through Awards of Excellence.
