Diplomats Push for Cybercrime Act Reform, Cite Threat to Free Expression and Digital Growth

Heads of Mission from five Western nations have jointly called for an urgent reform of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, warning that its current use poses a serious threat to freedom of speech and could hinder the country’s economic and technological advancement.

The envoys—representing the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Canada—issued the appeal in a joint statement on Thursday, marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day. They acknowledged the country’s 26 years of democratic progress but expressed concern over what they described as the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act.

Signed by Richard Mills, Jr. (U.S. Embassy), Richard Montgomery (British High Commission), Sanna Selin (Embassy of Finland), Svein Baera (Embassy of Norway), and Pasquale Salvaggio (Canadian High Commission), the statement highlighted free expression as the backbone of any functioning democracy.

Quoting President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 Democracy Day remarks, the diplomats reiterated the need for diverse opinions and viewpoints as drivers of democratic evolution.

Their concern centered on the expanded provisions of the Act following its 2024 amendments, which they argued are too vague and broad. They warned that such ambiguities have enabled the arrest and prosecution of journalists, activists, and citizens for voicing dissent online—undermining democratic accountability and discouraging digital innovation.

The statement cited the case of author and activist Dele Farotimi, who faced cybercrime charges after alleging judicial misconduct. Though the charges were later dropped, the envoys said the case demonstrated how the law can be weaponised to suppress criticism.

They also raised alarms over how terms like “false information,” “cyberstalking,” and “harassment” are legally undefined, leading to uncertainty that may discourage investment in Nigeria’s tech and digital sectors. The Nigeria Communications Commission estimates that cyber fraud already costs the country around $500 million annually.

“The misuse of the Cybercrimes Act undermines democratic advancement and civic participation. It also jeopardises the confidence of investors and risks deterring the innovation needed for economic growth,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the Act’s intent to tackle genuine cyber threats, the diplomats cautioned that its misapplication could deter entrepreneurs and investors, thus limiting Nigeria’s digital potential.

The envoys welcomed the Federal Government’s stated commitment to reviewing the law, particularly the promise made by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to involve lawmakers and stakeholders in the process.

They urged the National Assembly to expedite the reform process, ensure transparency, and conduct broad public consultations. The diplomats specifically encouraged lawmakers to redefine ambiguous terms such as “hatred,” “insult,” and “harassment,” which are often used to stifle dissent.

Expressing solidarity with Nigeria’s democratic aspirations, the statement read: “As friends of Nigeria who share the country’s strong commitment to democratic values, we would welcome reforms that balance citizen protection with the preservation of human rights.”

The envoys also noted that Nigeria is receiving technical assistance through the Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime initiative. However, they expressed frustration over repeated delays in reviewing the Act and urged lawmakers to make it a legislative priority.

Concluding their message, the diplomats reaffirmed the fundamental role of free expression in democracy: “Nigerians, and indeed citizens of any democratic society, should be free to express their opinions—even when those views are unpopular.”