Foreign Envoys Congratulate Nigeria on 26 Years of Democracy, Urge Cybercrime Law Reform

As Nigeria celebrates 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, key allies — the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Canada — have extended warm congratulations to Nigerians while also calling for urgent reforms to the country’s Cybercrimes Act.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday and signed by their respective ambassadors — Richard Mills (U.S.), Richard Montgomery (U.K.), Sanna Selin (Finland), Svein Baera (Norway), and Pasquale Salvaggio (Canada) — the diplomats praised Nigeria’s democratic progress, particularly its long-standing commitment to free expression.

“Healthy democracies thrive on open dialogue,” the envoys said. “And Nigeria’s constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression — a cornerstone for trust, accountability, and civic participation.”

But even in this celebratory moment, the message came with a clear warning: the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act could unravel hard-won democratic gains.

⚖️ Why Reform Is Crucial

The Cybercrimes Act 2015, amended in 2024, was originally designed to combat online fraud and cyberterrorism. But according to the envoys, its vague language has opened the door to potential abuse, particularly in suppressing dissent and stifling free speech.

“Terms like ‘false information,’ ‘insult,’ ‘harassment,’ and ‘cyberstalking’ are too loosely defined,” they noted. “And if misapplied — even occasionally — they can scare citizens into silence and deter the very innovation Nigeria needs to grow.”

They referenced a 2022 ECOWAS Court ruling that found aspects of the Act incompatible with Nigeria’s human rights obligations under both the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

💡 More Than Democracy — It’s About Growth

The envoys didn’t stop at civil liberties. They tied the issue directly to Nigeria’s economic future.

“Nigeria loses over $500 million annually to cybercrime,” they acknowledged, citing data from the Nigerian Communications Commission. “But this problem requires precision, not overreach.”

Poorly defined laws, they argue, could discourage foreign investors and digital entrepreneurs, exactly the people Nigeria needs to unlock its digital economy.

🗣️ Opinion: A Call Nigeria Must Heed

This joint statement is not just a diplomatic nudge — it’s a serious call for introspection. As Nigeria marks over two decades of democracy, its next chapter must include protecting digital rights, ensuring laws reflect constitutional freedoms, and promoting trust in governance.

A thriving democracy isn’t just about elections and institutions — it’s about people feeling free to speak, innovate, and dream without fear of legal backlash.

It’s encouraging that Nigeria’s Minister of Information has shown willingness to review the Act. But good intentions must now become firm legislative action — because in the digital age, freedom and prosperity go hand in hand.

💬 What do you think? Should Nigeria prioritize digital freedom as much as it does cybersecurity?
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