Top diplomats from five Western countries have called on Nigeria to urgently reform its controversial Cybercrimes Act, warning that the law is increasingly being used to silence critics and threatens both free speech and the nation’s digital future.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, June 12 to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, envoys from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, and Norway applauded Nigeria’s 26 years of democracy but voiced concern over the 2015 Cybercrimes Act, especially following amendments made in 2024.
The statement was signed by 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).
Referencing President Bola Tinubu’s remarks during this year’s Democracy Day celebrations, the diplomats echoed his message on the importance of “diverse perspectives and viewpoints” to any functioning democracy.
But they noted that the Cybercrimes Act, in its current form, contradicts that ideal. “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 envoys said.
While the law was originally designed to address serious issues like cyber fraud, estimated to cost Nigeria $500 million annually, it has become a tool for targeting journalists, activists, and ordinary Nigerians who express dissent online.
They pointed to the recent case of activist and author Dele Farotimi, who was charged under the law after publishing claims of judicial corruption.
Though the charges were eventually dropped, the diplomats said the case was a clear example of how the law can be “weaponised to stifle free speech.”
Concerns over the law’s misuse have also been raised by Nigeria’s own National Human Rights Commission, which has warned that vague and sweeping definitions within the Act create room for abuse.
The envoys criticised terms like “false information,” “cyberstalking,” and “harassment” as dangerously ambiguous. Such language, they argued, leaves too much room for interpretation and could scare away the kind of digital innovation and investment Nigeria needs to grow.
“The implications extend beyond free expression,” they said. “Nigeria’s economic future depends on its ability to innovate and attract investment in the digital age.
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However, the Cybercrimes Act’s misapplication, even in a small number of cases, risks detracting from the innovators and entrepreneurs the government wants to invest in Nigeria.”
The statement welcomed the commitment of Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, who has expressed a willingness to review the Act in partnership with lawmakers and civil society. But the diplomats said time is of the essence.
They urged the National Assembly to act quickly and transparently, stressing the importance of public input.
“The undersigned Heads of Mission in Nigeria encourage Nigerian lawmakers to consider reform of the Cybercrimes Act to narrow the definitions of key terms such as ‘false information,’ ‘cyberstalking,’ ‘insult,’ ‘hatred,’ and ‘harassment,’ and ensure those definitions cannot be used erroneously to silence critics and censor expression.”
“As friends of Nigeria who share the country’s strong commitment to democratic values, we want Nigeria to realise its potential as a democratic digital powerhouse,” they added.
“We would therefore welcome the Nigerian government amending the Act to strike a balance between protecting citizens while preserving human rights, including free expression.”
They acknowledged the difficulty of achieving that balance but insisted it was critical for Nigeria’s democratic health and economic future.
The diplomats also highlighted the international support Nigeria is receiving, including technical help from the Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime project. Still, they warned that progress has been too slow.
“The deadline for the Act’s review has consistently been delayed, and we urge Nigerian lawmakers to make this review a priority, and ensure it is open to public consultation and debate,” they said.
The statement closed with a strong reminder about the value of free speech.
“Free expression is a precious commodity that relies on all of us to respect it. It is a fundamental tenet of Nigeria’s constitution.
“Nigerians, and any citizens of countries around the world, should be able to hold and express their views, even if those opinions are unpopular,” the diplomats stated.