As Nigeria commemorated Democracy Day on June 12, 2025, heads of mission from the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Canada have jointly called for urgent reforms to the country’s Cybercrimes Act, warning that its current application poses serious risks to freedom of expression and digital innovation.
In a joint statement, the envoys praised Nigeria for its 26 years of democratic governance but raised concerns over the broad and ambiguous language in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015—particularly following amendments made in 2024.
“The misuse of the Cybercrimes Act undermines democratic advancement and civic participation,” the statement read. “It also jeopardises the confidence of investors and risks deterring the innovation needed for economic growth.”
The diplomats—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)—stressed that reforms are essential to safeguarding free expression, a core tenet of democracy.
They referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s remarks during the 2024 Democracy Day, in which he acknowledged the value of “diverse perspectives and viewpoints” in national development.
However, the statement expressed alarm that the Cybercrimes Act is increasingly being used to target journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens for expressing dissent online. The National Human Rights Commission had previously warned that the law’s vague provisions could be exploited to stifle criticism.
An example cited was that of activist and author Dele Farotimi, who was charged under the Act for comments on judicial corruption. Though the charges were dropped, the incident exemplified the potential for the law’s abuse.
“Ambiguous legal terms such as ‘false information,’ ‘cyberstalking,’ and ‘harassment’ create uncertainty and could dissuade digital investment,” the statement added.
The diplomats noted that while the Act was intended to curb cybercrime—an issue that reportedly costs Nigeria around $500 million annually—its misapplication is damaging both civic freedoms and the country’s economic reputation.
They welcomed the commitment of Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to review the legislation with stakeholders, but voiced frustration over repeated delays.
“We urge the National Assembly to expedite this process, ensure transparency, and allow robust public consultation,” they said. “Nigeria’s economic future depends on its ability to innovate and attract investment in the digital age. Legal uncertainty only serves to scare off the very entrepreneurs the government wants to empower.”
The statement also referenced ongoing international support, including technical assistance from the Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime initiative.
Calling for clarity in legal definitions, the diplomats encouraged lawmakers to specifically narrow terms like “insult,” “hatred,” and “harassment” to prevent their misuse.
“As partners who support Nigeria’s democratic aspirations, we hope to see a reformed Cybercrimes Act that strikes a balance between security and human rights,” the statement concluded. “Free expression is a precious commodity and a cornerstone of any thriving democracy.”
The envoys reiterated their belief in Nigeria’s potential to emerge as a digital powerhouse—if it prioritizes reforms that protect both innovation and civil liberties.
