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Democracy Day: Envoys urge reform of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, warn of threat to free speech

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Democracy Day: Envoys urge reform of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, warn of threat to free speech

Diplomatic envoys from the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Canada have called on the Nigerian government to urgently reform the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, warning that its vague provisions are being misused to suppress free speech and threaten democratic accountability.

In a joint Democracy Day statement issued on Thursday, the diplomats praised Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule but expressed deep concern over the increasing application of the Cybercrimes Act to target journalists, activists, and citizens expressing dissent online.

The statement was 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).

Quoting President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 Democracy Day remarks that acknowledged the value of “diverse perspectives and viewpoints,” the envoys noted that freedom of expression remains a fundamental pillar of any democracy and must be protected.

They specifically raised alarm over the broad and opaque language used in the Cybercrimes Act—especially after its amendment in 2024—arguing that it allows for arbitrary interpretation and abuse.

Citing the National Human Rights Commission, the diplomats noted that the law has been used to arrest and prosecute individuals for online speech, threatening civil liberties and shrinking civic space.

While acknowledging the Act’s original intent to address cyber threats like online fraud—estimated to cost Nigeria around $500 million annually according to the Nigerian Communications Commission—they cautioned that it is now frequently weaponised to silence dissent.

As a case in point, they referenced the ordeal of activist and author Dele Farotimi, who was charged under the law after alleging judicial corruption. Although the charges were later dropped, the envoys said the incident reflects a troubling trend in the misuse of cybercrime legislation.

“Misuse of the Cybercrimes Act undermines democratic advancement and civic participation. It also jeopardises investor confidence and deters innovation essential for economic growth,” the statement read.

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The envoys warned that unclear legal definitions of terms such as “false information,” “cyberstalking,” and “harassment” create legal uncertainty, potentially discouraging digital investment and stifling innovation in Nigeria’s growing tech economy.

They concluded by urging the Nigerian government to ensure that the Cybercrimes Act aligns with international human rights standards and democratic norms, adding that a safer, freer digital environment is essential for both civic engagement and economic progress.

 

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