Nigeria’s Former President Goodluck Jonathan has underscored information integrity as a democratic necessity crucial to strengthening governance, peace and national stability, rather than being seen solely as the responsibility of the media.
Jonathan made this known in Abuja, at an international conference, with the theme: “Information Warfare: Strengthening Global Security, Trade and Investment Through Collaborative Truth: Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence and Media”, organised by Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN).
Represented by the Executive Director, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ann Iyonu, described the conference theme as timely, noting that democracies across the world were increasingly facing threats from misinformation, disinformation and extremist propaganda.
Jonathan, however, noted that citizens become empowered to make informed democratic choices when the media, civil society organisations, electoral institutions and security agencies work together to combat misinformation.
“The media especially has a sacred responsibility in this digital age. Journalism must continue to stand for accuracy, fairness, balance and national responsibility.
Democracy thrives when citizens trust institutions, respect the rule of law and participate peacefully in governance.”
According to him, the world is witnessing a new form of conflict driven by information manipulation, digital propaganda and coordinated campaigns aimed at exploiting divisions and weakening societies.
“In Nigeria and many other nations, we have witnessed how false information and inflammatory narratives can deepen ethnic and religious tensions, trigger violence and undermine national unity,” he said.
Goodluck called for stronger collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, the media and international partners to promote media literacy and build resilient societies capable of resisting manipulation and conflict.
He also stressed the role of the media in defending truth, promoting peace and discouraging violence and sensationalism. While linking information integrity to credible elections and democratic development across Africa, saying access to factual information remains critical to transparent electoral processes.
“Fake news, propaganda and hate speech during elections can distort public perception, discourage participation and heighten tension among citizens,” he warned.
He urged governments, development partners, the media and the public to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen democracy, protect human rights and encourage responsible information sharing for peace and stability.
Also speaking at the conference, the Minister at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, stressed the importance of the media in strengthening bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.
According to Zhou, 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He explained that China and Nigeria had, over the years, built a relationship founded on mutual respect, cooperation and cultural exchanges, adding that collaboration in trade, finance, infrastructure, education and security had continued to produce positive outcomes.
The envoy disclosed that China had granted zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, including Nigeria, effective from May 1, to expand access for African products into the Chinese market.
He urged media organisations in both countries to uphold fairness and objectivity, particularly on issues relating to the core interests of both nations.
Zhou also referenced the Taiwan issue, describing it as central to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while commending Nigerian media organisations for supporting the One-China principle.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DICAN, Frederick Idehai, described Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) as a growing global threat capable of undermining security, trade, democratic institutions and diplomatic relations.
Idehai said information warfare had evolved beyond ordinary fake news into sophisticated campaigns driven by generative artificial intelligence and coordinated disinformation networks.
“Over 70 per cent of FIMI campaigns now deploy high-fidelity generative AI to create deepfake diplomatic crises and simulated market disruptions capable of spreading faster than traditional fact-checking mechanisms,” he stated.
According to him, information manipulation is costing the global economy an estimated $100 billion annually through lost investments, market volatility and increased security spending.
The association, in partnership with the Centre for Communication Development and Diplomacy in Africa and PR Nigeria, had mobilised 69 civil society organisations across Nigeria to combat fake news, misinformation and disinformation.
Idehai said six regional situation rooms had also been established across the country to monitor, verify and analyse misleading information and manipulated digital content.
He further announced the formation of the Nigeria Fact-Check and Information Integrity Network, aimed at promoting digital responsibility, public trust and credible information management.
Idehai added that the association would sustain its advocacy through future conferences, revealing that the 2027 edition would focus on the intersection of information manipulation, security, migration and human trafficking.
