EU Lauds Nigeria’s 4Ds Policy at DICAN Conference

EU Lauds Nigeria’s 4Ds Policy at DICAN Conference

..as Stakeholders Call for United Front Against Disinformation 

JOEL OLADELE, ABUJA 

The European Union has commended Nigeria’s 4Ds foreign policy strategy, describing it as a timely and visionary response to rising global instability, disinformation, and strategic misperceptions.

This came as stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Wednesday at the maiden Diplomatic/Security International Conference organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN).

The conference, themed “Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy in an Era of Global Insecurity, Strategic Misperceptions, and Disinformation,” brought together diplomats, security officials, and media professionals to deliberate on diplomacy, intelligence, and the media’s role in safeguarding peace and national interest.

In his address, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described Nigeria’s 4Ds; Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora as a “beacon of clarity” in a turbulent world.

“In the darkness, we need compasses, we need lighthouses. And this is what media and what diplomacy must be.

“Nigeria has managed to encapsulate very elegantly within its 4D diplomacy a mix of assets and challenges. Democracy as a core value, Development as a goal, Demography as a potential dividend, and Diaspora as a force for global influence.”

He also outlined the European Union’s own diplomatic direction, emphasizing cooperation over rivalry and advocating for “shared prosperity and sustainable development for all.”

Highlighting the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy as a major engagement framework with Africa, he cited ongoing projects in Nigeria, including the rollout of 90,000 kilometers of optic fiber and Lagos’ OMIECO electric maritime transport system.

“Our offer to Africa and to the world goes beyond aid. It respects sovereignty and aims to unlock investments through partnerships, not exploitation,” Mignot said.

Addressing the growing threat of disinformation, the EU envoy noted that “we must win the battle of information,” warning that rogue actors were using misinformation to destabilize societies. He emphasized the EU’s initiatives such as the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EUvsDisinfo project, and fact-checking collaborations across Africa.

“You, diplomatic correspondents and journalists, have a crucial role to play. Rest assured that you will find in the EU a causal partner and a source of honest and verified information,” he charged.

Delivering the keynote on behalf of Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to principled diplomacy amid global uncertainty.

“The international system is contending with evolving threats, conflicts, disinformation, protectionism, and a widening trust deficit. Nigeria’s 4Ds Strategy is a response rooted in national need and global obligation,” he said.

He explained that each of the “Ds” addressed key areas: democracy as Nigeria’s anchor of credibility; development as a path to economic transformation; demography as an asset to global diplomacy; and diaspora as a partner in national and international advancement.

On the growing threat of false narratives, Abdulkadir stressed the need for synergy between diplomacy, intelligence, and media.

“We are investing in narrative sovereignty. From conflict zones to false reporting on elections, disinformation has challenged our democracy and military operations,” he noted.

He called for greater international cooperation, digital diplomacy training for developing nations, and inclusive multilateralism that reflects Africa’s demographic reality.

“Let diplomacy, driven by intelligence and amplified by responsible media, be our compass,” he urged.

Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kabiru Abdullahi, highlighted the dangerous link between fake news and internal security.

“If there is disinformation about happenings in other countries, it may have a devastating impact on our internal security.”

“Credible journalism is very important at this crucial stage in our life, both globally and internally,” Egbetokun noted.

He explained how disinformation about foreign or local conflicts could incite unrest across Nigeria’s diverse regions already grappling with crime, insurgency, and military confrontations.

“Fake information travels fast and can impact real-life situations thousands of miles away,” he warned.

The event also recognized 20 individuals and institutions for their contributions to diplomacy and national peace.

Notable among the awardees were former President Goodluck Jonathan, NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa, and Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema.

Organised by DICAN, the umbrella body for diplomatic correspondents in Nigeria, the conference highlighted the critical role of accurate information, international cooperation, and policy alignment in preserving peace in an increasingly volatile global environment.