Tuggar calls for strategic diplomacy to tackle global challenges

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for strategic diplomacy to address the complex challenges currently facing the world, noting the need for a dynamic foreign policy framework rooted in Nigeria’s 4Ds Strategy, which includes democracy, development, demography, and diaspora.

Speaking at the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN) Diplomatic/Security International Conference 2025, Tuggar outlined Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy, which focuses on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

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The conference theme, “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 stakeholders from around the world to brainstorm on how to tackle global security challenges in the era of misinformation, disinformation, misperceptions, and misconceptions.

Tuggar, who was represented by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Alkasim Abdulkadir, noted that the current global landscape is marked by growing geopolitical volatility, state and non-state conflicts, and the weaponisation of disinformation.

He said, “We gather at a time of growing geopolitical volatility. The international system is contending with new and evolving threats, state and non-state conflicts, the weaponisation of disinformation, resurgent protectionism, technological disruptions, and a widening trust deficit between nations and within societies.”

Tuggar also spoke about the importance of diplomacy, intelligence, and media in stabilising the global situation.

“Diplomacy remains the most tested instrument of peace and understanding. Our diplomats are frontline actors in countering misperception with truth, building alliances, and protecting Nigeria’s image and interests abroad.”

Tuggar stressed the need for a data-driven and security-aware approach to foreign policy. “We are deepening coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and intelligence agencies to anticipate threats, assess partners, and engage with foresight.”

The Minister called for greater international cooperation to tackle disinformation campaigns and support capacity building in digital diplomacy for developing nations.

“Nigeria calls for greater international cooperation in tackling disinformation campaigns, support for capacity building in digital diplomacy for developing nations, more inclusive multilateral frameworks that acknowledge demographic diversity, and renewed commitment to Africa’s peace architecture.”

Tuggar reiterated the importance of strategic communication in projecting Nigeria’s values, vision, and voice.

“We must move from reactive communication to strategic communication, projecting not only our policies but also our values, vision, and voice.”

Earlier, the Chairman of DICAN, Comrade Frederick Idehai, said that the conference is a historic gathering that will provide a platform for world leaders to share ideas and experiences on how to address global security challenges.

“Despite the numerous bottlenecks encountered in the course of this journey, I did not give up on that idea of organising an International Conference that will avail stakeholders opportunity to contribute their quota in addressing global security challenges.”

The DICAN Chairman expressed pride in the fact that the conference is the first of its kind to bring together the world in one room to brainstorm on how to address global security challenges.

“Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DICAN is the first journalists beat association globally to bring the WORLD together in one room to brainstorm on how to address global security challenges in the era of misinformation, disinformation, misperceptions and misconceptions,” he said.