The Federal Government says it is working with the National Assembly, media, and key stakeholders to ensure that the ongoing review of the Cybercrime Act delivers a widely acceptable legal framework that aligns with Nigeria’s national interests.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja after a meeting with Richard Mills, United States Ambassador to Nigeria.
“On the suggestion about the ongoing review of the Cybercrime Act, we will have our input there by working with the National Assembly, other stakeholders, the media and everyone, to ensure that we have an Act that is acceptable by all and that also serves its purpose,” Idris says.
The Minister reaffirms the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom and upholding the right to freedom of expression, which he describes as essential pillars of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“I have shared my thoughts with the Ambassador and I also reiterated the government’s commitment to continue to uphold freedom of expression and not to limit the space for journalists to do their work,” Idris says. “We believe that journalism and the media are all integral part of democracy.”
While acknowledging the critical role of the Fourth Estate of the Realm in sustaining democratic governance, the Minister urges the Nigerian media to pair press freedom with responsibility and patriotism.
“We also want to seize this opportunity to encourage members of the Nigerian media that while observing press freedom, they should ensure that there is enormous responsibility in the discharge of their duties,” he says. “They should continue to be more responsible… and continue to promote responsible journalism and also to be patriotic because that’s the only way that democracy can thrive.”
Ambassador Mills welcomes the assurance from the Nigerian government, reiterating the significance of press freedom and the role of the Information Ministry in the legislative review of the Cybercrime Act.
“I have just had a very good private discussion with the Minister regarding freedom of the press here in Nigeria and his commitment to that space for expression and for freedom of the press,” Mills says. “I welcomed his statement on May 3rd on World Press Freedom Day that reiterated his government’s commitment to the freedom of the press.”
The ongoing review of the Cybercrime Act follows increased stakeholder advocacy for reforms that balance national security imperatives with civil liberties and digital rights in Nigeria.
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