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By Gloria Ikibah

Stakeholders from diplomacy, security, media, academia and civil society have called for stronger collaboration to tackle the growing threat of disinformation, fake news and foreign information manipulation, warning that the spread of false narratives poses serious risks to democracy, security and economic stability.

The call was made at the second Diplomatic/Security, Trade and Investment International Conference organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria in partnership with the Centre for Communication Development and Diplomacy in Africa and other stakeholders at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Information Warfare: Strengthening Global Security, Trade and Investment through Collaborative Truth – The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence and the Media,” brought together representatives of diplomatic missions, government institutions, security agencies, the media and the private sector to examine the dangers posed by misinformation and coordinated digital manipulation.

In his opening remarks, DICAN President, Mr Frederick Idehai, described information warfare as an emerging global challenge capable of weakening democratic institutions and eroding public confidence.

“False narratives, deepfakes and coordinated disinformation campaigns are increasingly being used to undermine public trust and destabilise societies,” he said.

Idehai disclosed that DICAN, alongside its partners, had established regional situational rooms and the Nigerian Fact Check and Information Integrity Network to monitor and counter fake news across the country.

Representing the Embassy of China in Nigeria, Mr Zhao Hongyu described the gathering as an important platform for strengthening cooperation and dialogue.

According to him, 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

He stated that both countries had continued to build relations based on “mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and close people-to-people bonds.”

The Chinese envoy also highlighted ongoing cooperation in areas including infrastructure, trade, finance, security and education, while announcing that China had introduced a zero-tariff policy for African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Reacting to the remarks, the spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China policy and commended the cordial relationship between the Chinese Embassy and Nigerian government institutions.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, stressed the importance of non-oil exports to Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.

She disclosed that the country recorded more than six billion dollars in non-oil exports in 2025 and called for stronger diplomatic support and trade facilitation to improve access to international markets for Nigerian products.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Zissimos Vergos, warned that disinformation and foreign interference continue to threaten democratic systems and electoral credibility.

He emphasised the importance of responsible journalism, informed citizenship and the protection of freedom of expression while confronting fake news.

Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, urged journalists to uphold professionalism and factual reporting in the face of increasing misinformation and unregulated online content.

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, praised DICAN for creating a platform to strengthen dialogue on diplomacy and media practice.

“The media remains a vital partner in promoting constructive dialogue, transparency, accountability and international cooperation among nations,” he said.

He added that diplomatic journalism plays an important role in shaping public understanding of foreign policy and promoting Nigeria’s image globally.

A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the Nigerian Fact Check and Information Integrity Network alongside public awareness campaigns carrying messages such as “Verify Before You Share” and “Truth Matters: Build a Stronger, Safer Society.”

Awards were also presented to individuals and organisations recognised for contributions to democracy, diplomacy, peacebuilding and information integrity. Recipients included former President Jonathan, the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

At the close of the conference, participants urged governments, media organisations, civil society groups and security institutions to sustain cooperation in combating disinformation and promoting responsible communication.