ABUJA, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — Western diplomats on Wednesday called on Nigeria to reform its Cybercrimes Act, warning that misuse of the law risks silencing free expression and undermining the country’s economic growth.
“We want Nigeria to realise its potential as a democratic digital powerhouse,” the envoys said in a joint opinion piece marking Democracy Day.
“Amending the Cybercrimes Act to strike a balance between protecting citizens while preserving human rights, including free expression, is vital for delivering what Nigeria wants: a stable and open democracy, and economic growth underpinned by investment.”
The statement was signed by Richard M. Mills Jr. of the U.S. Embassy, Richard Montgomery of the British High Commission, Sanna Selin of the Embassy of Finland, Svein Baera of the Embassy of Norway, and Pasquale Salvaggio of the Canadian High Commission.
Nigeria enacted the Cybercrimes Act in 2015 to combat online fraud and cyberattacks, and lawmakers amended the law in 2024. But the National Human Rights Commission warned earlier this year that the Act “has potentials for abuse, particularly with respect to arrests and prosecutions of activists, journalists, bloggers, and ordinary social media users.”
The ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled in 2022 that the Act did not conform with Nigeria’s obligations on freedom of expression under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
One case cited by the diplomats involved author and activist Dele Farotimi, who was charged with 12 counts of cybercrime after alleging corruption in the judiciary. Though the charges were later withdrawn, he was detained and transported across state lines in handcuffs.
“His ordeal highlights a troubling issue — the Cybercrimes Act, originally intended to combat online fraud and cyberterrorism, can be misused as a tool to stifle free expression and undermine democratic engagement,” the diplomats said.
Nigeria’s Communications Commission estimates the country loses $500 million annually to cybercrime. But critics say vague provisions of the law — including broad definitions of “false information,” “cyberstalking,” and “harassment” — leave room for abuse.
The envoys welcomed a pledge from Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to work with the National Assembly on a review of the law. But they urged lawmakers to act swiftly.
“The deadline for the Act’s review has consistently been delayed,” they said. “We urge Nigerian lawmakers to make this review a priority, and ensure it is open to public consultation and debate.”
The diplomats stressed that protecting freedom of expression is not only a democratic principle but also an economic necessity.
“Its vague provisions make it difficult for businesses and investors to assess legal risks, hindering investment in industries that rely on digital content,” they wrote.
The statement concluded: “Free expression is a precious commodity. Nigerians, and citizens of countries around the world, should be able to hold and express their views, even if those opinions are unpopular.”
