Nigeria Must Combat Disinformation with Strategic Communication and Intelligence, Says Former Minority Leader
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Former Minority Leader of Nigeria’s 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, delivered a potent call to action at the inaugural International Diplomatic and Security Conference organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN). Elumelu stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt a robust and proactive strategy to counter the detrimental impact of misinformation and disinformation targeting the nation, particularly in the context of its foreign policy and national security. The conference, themed “Nigeria’s 4Ds 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,” brought together prominent diplomats, security experts, policymakers, and journalists. Elumelu underscored the critical importance of the conference’s theme, emphasizing the crucial role of diplomacy, intelligence, and responsible media in navigating the complex landscape of global insecurity.
Elumelu highlighted the pervasive nature of disinformation in the modern era, stressing the need for a synergistic approach involving the media, intelligence agencies, and the diplomatic corps to effectively counter destabilizing narratives. He emphasized the vital role of these actors in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and projecting a positive image on the global stage. He advocated for a united front against disinformation, recognizing its potential to undermine national stability and international relations.
The former lawmaker emphasized the strategic significance of Nigeria’s 4Ds foreign policy framework – Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography – advocating for their utilization as tools to enhance international engagement and bolster internal stability. Elumelu urged the government to leverage the strength of the Nigerian diaspora and the dynamism of its youth demographic in its diplomatic endeavors. He further argued that democracy and development should be viewed as integral components of Nigeria’s foreign policy, shaping its interactions on the world stage.
Addressing the multifaceted nature of global threats, ranging from cyberwarfare and terrorism to economic destabilization fueled by misinformation, Elumelu called for a proactive and intelligence-driven approach to foreign policy and security. He underscored the dangers of dismissing disinformation as mere nuisance, emphasizing its potential as a destabilizing weapon. Elumelu called for a strategic communication strategy underpinned by robust intelligence and supported by a free and responsible media to effectively counter disinformation campaigns. He stressed the importance of a united national front and a clear understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy goals to project a cohesive and accurate national narrative.
Elumelu emphasized the interconnectedness of domestic stability and foreign policy, stressing the need for Nigeria to effectively communicate its own narrative to prevent misrepresentation by external actors. He lauded the 4Ds framework as a compass guiding Nigeria’s foreign policy direction, urging collective effort to navigate the nation’s international relations. He commended DICAN for organizing the conference and urged sustained support from both public and private sectors, recognizing the organization’s crucial role as watchdogs and interpreters of global events impacting Nigeria. Elumelu called for empowering DICAN to hold diplomacy and security institutions accountable, highlighting their integral role in informing public understanding of foreign policy and national security issues.
Elumelu urged the Nigerian government to strengthen collaboration with international partners while simultaneously investing in domestic capacity for intelligence gathering and media literacy. The conference featured panel discussions on pressing topics such as digital diplomacy, intelligence-led foreign relations, and countering global strategic misperceptions. Participants recognized the pivotal moment Nigeria faces, requiring a rapid evolution of its foreign policy to address emerging challenges, from climate-induced migration to geopolitical shifts in West Africa and the Sahel region. The DICAN International Diplomatic and Security Conference is poised to become an annual forum for shaping the intersection of journalism, foreign policy, and national security discourse in Nigeria.