U.S., UK and Allied Envoys Urge Nigeria to Review Controversial Cybercrime Act

Diplomats from the United States, United Kingdom, and several allied nations have raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s amended Cybercrime Act, warning that it risks undermining free expression, democratic values, and investor confidence.

In a joint statement released in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, the envoys emphasized that the current application of the Act originally passed in 2015 and amended in 2024 has increasingly been used to suppress dissenting voices.

The diplomats include:

• Richard Mills Jr. (U.S. Embassy)

• Richard Montgomery (British High Commission)

• Sanna Selin (Embassy of Finland)

• Svein Baera (Embassy of Norway)

  
  

• Pasquale Salvaggio (Canadian High Commission)

While congratulating Nigeria on 26 years of democratic rule, they stressed the importance of protecting civil liberties such as freedom of expression, calling these "cornerstones of democracy and economic prosperity."

The diplomats acknowledged the law’s intended purpose to tackle cyber fraud and digital security threats but pointed to disturbing patterns of misuse. Citing an April 2024 advisory from Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), they warned that the Cybercrime Act has been weaponized against journalists, bloggers, activists, and ordinary citizens.

They also referenced a 2022 ruling by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, which deemed parts of the Act inconsistent with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“Vaguely worded provisions in the Act create legal uncertainty, exposing individuals and businesses to arbitrary enforcement,” the envoys noted, warning that this legal ambiguity could deter foreign investment and hinder Nigeria’s digital economy.

The diplomats urged the Nigerian government to collaborate with the National Assembly and civil society in reviewing the Act to ensure it aligns with international human rights standards.

“Striking a balance between national security and individual rights is essential to Nigeria’s democratic future and its standing as an innovation hub,” the statement read.

They highlighted ongoing support Nigeria is receiving from the Council of Europe’s Global Action on Cybercrime initiative, which seeks to harmonize national laws with global standards. However, they criticized the slow pace of legislative reform and called for a transparent, inclusive process.

“This is an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate leadership by enacting reforms that uphold both freedom and security in the digital age,” they concluded.

The joint statement echoes similar concerns raised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). In May, SERAP urged President Bola Tinubu to halt the enforcement of the amended Cybercrime Act, describing it as a draconian tool used to intimidate critics and stifle press freedom.

The organization cited cases where journalists and social media users have been arrested or charged under provisions such as “cyberstalking” and “defamation,” warning that such actions violate constitutional rights and international treaties Nigeria has ratified.

As calls for reform grow louder, attention now turns to Nigeria’s the lawmakers to act decisively in reviewing a law increasingly viewed as a threat to democratic engagement and digital progress.