DICAN Seeks Stronger Global Alliance Against Information Warfare

The Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN) has called for stronger international collaboration to tackle Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), describing it as a major threat to global security, democracy, trade, and diplomatic relations.

Chairman of DICAN, Frederick Idehia, made the call during the Diplomatic, Security, Trade and Investment International Conference held in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Information Warfare (FIMI): Strengthening Global Security, Trade and Investment Through Collaborative Truth: Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence and Media,” attracted diplomats, intelligence officers, security experts, media practitioners, corporate leaders, and civil society groups.

Idehia warned that the world is facing what he described as an “industrialization of deception,” driven by sophisticated artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies capable of causing diplomatic tensions and economic instability.

According to him, global estimates indicate that information manipulation now costs the world economy more than 100 billion dollars annually through disrupted markets, declining investments, and rising security expenditures.

He also expressed concern over the increasing use of disinformation campaigns to influence public opinion and weaken democratic institutions, especially as more than 40 countries are expected to conduct major elections between 2024 and 2026.

The DICAN Chairman disclosed that the association, in partnership with the Centre for Communication Development and Diplomacy in Africa and PR Nigeria, had mobilized 69 civil society organisations across Nigeria’s 36 states to combat fake news and misinformation.

He explained that the initiative led to the establishment of six regional Situation Rooms with dedicated officers responsible for monitoring, verifying, and analysing false and manipulated information nationwide.

Idehia added that the initiative also birthed the Nigeria Fact-Check and Information Integrity Network, aimed at promoting credible information management, digital responsibility, public trust, and national security.

He stressed that misinformation and distorted narratives continue to fuel insecurity, weaken regional cooperation, and undermine diplomatic relations across Africa.

The DICAN Chairman further announced the launch of a National and International Campaign Against FIMI and Fake News, designed to strengthen cooperation among the media, diplomatic institutions, and intelligence communities in dismantling disinformation networks.

He appealed to diplomatic missions, international organisations, government agencies, and corporate bodies to support the initiative through technical partnerships, grants, sponsorships, and capacity-building programmes.

The conference also featured Awards of Excellence presented to individuals and organisations recognised for integrity, courage, and service to humanity.

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, also called for stronger collaboration among the media, diplomatic institutions, and intelligence agencies to counter misinformation and safeguard democracy, peace, and national security.

Represented by the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ann Iyonu, Jonathan described the conference as timely, particularly for developing democracies grappling with insecurity, political polarisation, fake news, and disinformation.

He noted that manipulated information and false narratives now constitute a new form of conflict capable of creating division, eroding public trust, and destabilising societies.

Jonathan observed that in Nigeria, fake news and unverified reports have often heightened ethnic and religious tensions, fuelled insecurity, and weakened confidence in public institutions.

He emphasised that diplomacy, intelligence gathering, and responsible journalism remain critical in strengthening democracy and national security.

The former President urged journalists to uphold professionalism through accuracy, fairness, balance, and national responsibility, stressing that press freedom must be exercised in ways that promote peace and informed public discourse.

He also warned that fake news, propaganda, and hate speech during elections could distort public perception, discourage participation, and trigger unnecessary tension.

Jonathan called for greater investment in civic education, digital literacy, transparency, accountability, and dialogue to promote unity and truth over misinformation and division.

He commended DICAN for creating a platform for stakeholders in diplomacy, security, intelligence, trade, investment, and the media to collectively address emerging global challenges.

The former President dedicated his award to Nigerians, Africans, and international partners committed to peace, democracy, and regional integration.

PR/Uju Oparaji