As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the envoys of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, and Norway have extended their congratulations to the nation and its citizens.
In a joint Democracy Day statement issued on Thursday, the diplomats — U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills, British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery, Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio, Finnish Ambassador Sanna Selin, and Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera — hailed Nigeria’s democratic journey, while also advocating for reforms to strengthen civil liberties and economic innovation.
They emphasised that vibrant democracies are sustained by key principles such as open dialogue, diversity of opinion, and respect for free expression — a core value they acknowledged has shaped Nigeria’s democratic identity.
Citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2024 Democracy Day address, which underscored the need for diverse perspectives, the envoys reiterated that “Nigeria’s constitution enshrines the right to freedom of expression,” adding that this right remains essential in fostering public discourse and democratic accountability.
However, the diplomats raised concerns over the Cybercrimes Act 2015, as amended in 2024, warning that its current provisions could undermine these democratic ideals if left unreformed.
“The misuse of the Cybercrimes Act risks curtailing civic participation, eroding investor confidence, and deterring the innovation necessary for long-term economic growth,” the statement read.
The envoys referenced a 2022 ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which found 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.
While the original intent of the law was to combat cyber fraud and terrorism, the diplomats warned that its vague terminology — including terms like “false information,” “cyberstalking,” “harassment,” and “insult” — opens the door to misinterpretation and misuse, potentially silencing legitimate public expression.
“Even isolated cases of misapplication could discourage citizens from speaking out and fuel distrust in governance,” they said.
The statement welcomed recent remarks by Nigeria’s Minister of Information, who pledged to work with the National Assembly and key stakeholders to review and amend the legislation.
The envoys noted that beyond human rights concerns, the Cybercrimes Act has significant economic implications. They cited estimates from the Nigerian Communications Commission indicating that the country loses approximately $500 million annually to cybercrime, and while legislative intervention is necessary, it must be precise and rights-respecting.
“A revised law with clearer definitions is vital to balancing national security, digital innovation, and democratic freedoms,” they stated.
In conclusion, the diplomats urged Nigerian lawmakers to act decisively in amending the law and called for a collaborative approach to ensure that the legal framework supports an open and prosperous digital economy.
“As long-standing partners of Nigeria, we reaffirm our shared commitment to democratic values. We believe Nigeria has the potential to emerge as a digital and democratic powerhouse — but this will require careful calibration between security needs and fundamental freedoms,” the statement concluded.
