By HeapNews
Abuja – June 11, 2025– In a joint Democracy Day message, the heads of missions of the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Canada have called on Nigerian lawmakers to urgently reform the controversial Cybercrimes Act, warning that its misuse threatens free expression, stifles democratic participation, and discourages digital innovation.
In their statement, the diplomats praised Nigeria’s 26 years of democratic rule but expressed concern about the chilling effects of the 2015 Cybercrimes Act and its 2024 amendments, particularly Section 24, which they say is increasingly being used to silence critics, journalists, and social media users.
“Nigeria’s constitution enshrines the right to freedom of expression, aiming to protect its citizens’ rights and foster a society where people can debate and discuss ideas free from government control,” the diplomats said. “This right… remains vital today.”
They cited the recent case of author and activist Dele Farotimi, who faced 12 cybercrime charges after he spoke about alleged judicial corruption in a book and podcast. He was reportedly transported in handcuffs across state lines before the charges were dropped.
“His ordeal highlights a troubling issue – the Cybercrimes Act… can be misused as a tool to stifle free expression and undermine democratic engagement,” the statement read. “Farotimi is not alone.”
The envoys referenced findings by Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which warned that the law “has potentials for abuse, particularly with respect to arrests and prosecutions of activists, journalists, bloggers, and ordinary social media users.”
Although the law was designed to tackle cyber fraud and online threats—issues that cost Nigeria an estimated \$500 million annually, according to the Nigeria Communications Commission—the diplomats said its vague language is ripe for manipulation.
They called for the narrowing of terms such as “false information,” “cyberstalking,” “harassment,” and “insult” to prevent their abuse.
“We would welcome the Nigerian government amending the Act to strike a balance between protecting citizens while preserving human rights,” the statement said. “This will be a difficult balance to strike but is vital for delivering what Nigeria wants: a stable and open democracy, and economic growth underpinned by investment.”
They also applauded the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, for committing to a review of the Act in collaboration with lawmakers and stakeholders, urging transparency and public participation in the process.
The statement concluded with a reminder that democratic nations globally face similar challenges in regulating the digital space, and that Nigeria’s ongoing partnership with the Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime project offers a path toward reform aligned with international best practices.
“Free expression is a precious commodity that relies on all of us to respect it,” the diplomats said. “Nigerians… should be able to hold and express their views, even if those opinions are unpopular.”