U.S., UK, Canada, And Others Urge Nigeria To Reform Cybercrimes Act To Safeguard Free Speech.
In a unified call to action, the heads of missions from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, and Norway have congratulated Nigeria on marking 26 years of democratic governance while urging the Federal Government to reform its Cybercrimes Act to protect freedom of expression and foster economic growth. The statement, issued on Democracy Day, highlights concerns over the misuse of the 2015 Cybercrimes Act, which, despite its aim to combat online fraud and cyberattacks, has been increasingly used to suppress dissent and silence critics.
The joint op-ed, signed by U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr., British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery, Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio, Finnish Ambassador Sanna Selin, and Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera, praised Nigeria’s commitment to democracy. They noted that the country’s constitution enshrines the right to freedom of expression, a cornerstone of democratic societies that allows citizens to debate ideas without fear of government control. Quoting President Bola Tinubu’s remarks from 2024, the envoys emphasised his assertion that “there must be diverse perspectives and viewpoints” in Nigeria’s democracy.
However, the diplomats expressed alarm over the Cybercrimes Act’s broad and vague provisions, particularly Section 24, which includes ambiguous terms such as “false information,” “cyberstalking,” “harassment,” and “insult.” These definitions, they argued, leave room for confusion and potential abuse, enabling authorities to target journalists, activists, bloggers, and ordinary social media users. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) echoed these concerns in April 2025, warning that the Act “has potential for abuse” in arrests and prosecutions. Additionally, a 2022 ECOWAS Court of Justice ruling declared parts of the Act inconsistent with Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The envoys cited the case of Dele Farotimi, a political commentator charged with 12 counts of cybercrime after alleging judicial corruption in a book and podcast, as an example of the Act’s misuse. Such actions, they warned, risk deterring citizens from speaking out, weakening democratic accountability, and fostering distrust in government. The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) estimates that the country loses $500 million annually to cybercrime, underscoring the need for robust legislation. However, the diplomats stressed that misapplication of the law could stifle innovation and discourage foreign investment in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Encouragingly, the envoys welcomed the commitment of Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to collaborate with the National Assembly and stakeholders to review the Act. They urged lawmakers to prioritise reforms that narrow the definitions of problematic terms and ensure they cannot be used to censor expression. The Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime project is providing funding and technical assistance to support this process, aiming to align the Act with international standards and best practices.
“Misuse of the Cybercrimes Act undermines democratic advancement and civic participation,” the envoys stated. “It also jeopardises the confidence of investors and risks deterring the innovation needed for economic growth.” They called for an open, transparent review process with public consultation to strike a balance between protecting citizens and preserving human rights.
As Nigeria navigates the challenges of the digital age, the international community remains optimistic about its potential as a democratic and economic powerhouse. The envoys concluded by reaffirming their support for Nigeria’s aspirations, noting that reforming the Cybercrimes Act is a vital step toward unlocking a prosperous, inclusive future.
