Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called for a unified national effort to combat the rising threat of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation aimed at tarnishing Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.
Speaking in Abuja after receiving the Award of Excellence in Strategic Security Policy Formulation for National and Global Peace from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), the Minister described disinformation as a significant threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and global perception.
“A lot of fake news is out there distorting the image of our country,” he said. “As Nigerians, we have no other country but Nigeria, and we must correct the bad image pushed by unpatriotic individuals.”
The Minister was among several high-profile Nigerians recognized at the DICAN International Conference, which focused on Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misperceptions, and the Age of Disinformation. Other awardees included former President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, and Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema.
Badaru praised DICAN’s efforts in fostering dialogue and awareness about disinformation and the role of diplomacy, intelligence, and media in shaping national and global peace.
He described the conference as “a timely response to the growing need for informed, cross-sectoral collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s national interest and international standing.”
“I thank you for the award, and God willing, we will continue to support your efforts,” the Minister said in appreciation.
Earlier in the event, DICAN Chairman, Mr. Idehai Frederick, highlighted the association’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of diplomatic correspondents in detecting and countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), disinformation, and fake news.
He urged the Nigerian government, civil society, diplomatic partners, and stakeholders to support DICAN through training, tools, and capacity-building resources.
“DICAN is proud to be the first journalists’ beat association in the world to organize a global diplomatic and security conference of this magnitude,” Frederick stated. “This is our contribution to national development, international collaboration, and information integrity.”
Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar Calls for United Front Against Fake News in Nigeria
