As Nigeria marked its 26th year of uninterrupted democratic rule, five Western diplomatic missions in the country—representing the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, and Norway—have issued a strong joint appeal to the Nigerian government to urgently reform the 2015 Cybercrimes Act.
The law, according to the diplomats, poses a serious risk to freedom of expression and the country’s digital and economic prospects if not urgently reviewed.
In a joint statement released on Thursday to commemorate Democracy Day, the envoys expressed their support for Nigeria’s democratic journey while also raising red flags over what they described as the “vague and expansive” provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
These provisions, they warned, are increasingly being used to suppress dissent and punish digital speech under the guise of national security or public interest.
The statement was signed by key diplomatic figures: Richard Mills, Jr. (U.S. Embassy); Richard Montgomery (British High Commission); Pasquale Salvaggio (Canadian High Commission); Sanna Selin (Embassy of Finland); and Svein Baera (Embassy of Norway).
While the Cybercrimes Act was originally introduced to address genuine digital threats like cyber fraud—which reportedly costs Nigeria over $500 million annually—the envoys cautioned that its misapplication has created an atmosphere of fear and censorship.
They cited real-life instances such as the case of activist and author Dele Farotimi, who was charged under the Act following public allegations of corruption within the judiciary. Though the charges were ultimately dropped, the case has been widely viewed as an example of how the law can be exploited to intimidate government critics.
The diplomats also referenced the opinion of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, which earlier warned that the amended provisions of the Cybercrimes Act could be easily misused to target journalists, civil society members, and ordinary citizens expressing their opinions online.
According to the joint statement, the misuse of legal terms like “cyberstalking,” “false information,” and “harassment”—all vaguely defined in the Act—has far-reaching consequences beyond human rights. The ambassadors warned that such legal ambiguity creates an unpredictable environment that could scare away potential investors and stifle Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.
“The implications extend beyond free speech. Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading digital hub depends on a clear and rights-respecting legal framework. But with continued misuse of the Cybercrimes Act, Nigeria risks losing out on global investment and innovation,” the statement read.
They added that when digital entrepreneurs and international businesses cannot confidently assess legal risks, especially in areas involving content creation, journalism, and online platforms, it becomes harder for the country to attract the kind of economic growth it seeks in the 21st century.
The diplomats welcomed the recent commitment made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who promised to initiate a review of the Cybercrimes Act in collaboration with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders. However, they expressed concern over what they described as a history of delays in following through with legislative reviews.
They called on the Nigerian legislature to treat the reform of the Act as a matter of urgency, advising that the process be inclusive, transparent, and subject to public consultation. Such openness, they said, would help restore public trust and ensure that the final outcomes reflect the will and rights of the Nigerian people.
“The undersigned Heads of Mission encourage Nigerian lawmakers to narrow the definitions of sensitive terms like ‘insult,’ ‘cyberstalking,’ and ‘false information,’ ensuring these cannot be misapplied to suppress legitimate expression,” the statement urged.
Reaffirming their commitment to Nigeria’s democratic progress, the envoys reminded the government that free expression is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution and should remain a foundational element of its governance.
They echoed sentiments previously expressed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2024 Democracy Day celebrations, where he acknowledged the value of “diverse perspectives” in building a thriving democracy.
“Nigerians, like all citizens of democratic nations, must be able to speak freely—even when their views challenge the mainstream or critique those in power. Free expression isn’t just a legal right—it’s the lifeblood of participatory governance,” they stated.
The diplomats noted their continued support for Nigeria’s digital transformation goals and pointed to their ongoing involvement in global initiatives such as the Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime project, which offers technical assistance and capacity-building for digital governance.
The statement emphasized that striking the right balance between cybersecurity and human rights is not only possible but essential for Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity.
They urged Nigerian authorities to seize the moment and deliver on democratic promises by amending the Cybercrimes Act in a way that protects both national security and fundamental freedoms.
“Reform will be challenging, but it is crucial. For Nigeria to reach its full potential—as a stable, democratic, and economically vibrant nation—it must ensure that its legal frameworks empower, not silence, its people,” the joint statement concluded.