Abuja: The United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Canadian envoys to Nigeria have extended their congratulations to the nation on its 26 years of democratic governance. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the envoys expressed their goodwill in a joint statement signed by U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills, British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery, Finnish Ambassador Sanna Selin, Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera, and Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the diplomats emphasized the importance of healthy democracies being built upon crucial ingredients such as free expression, a long-standing core value of Nigeria’s democratic framework. The envoys highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s assertion during the upcoming 25-year democracy milestone in 2024, that Nigeria must embrace diverse perspectives and viewpoints.
They further acknowledged Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to freedom of expression, which seeks to safeguard citizens’ rights and cultivate a society where ideas can be openly debated without governmental interference. This principle of trust in public discourse remains essential today, they added.
However, the envoys also urged reform of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, which was amended in 2024, cautioning against its detrimental impact on free expression. They warned that misuse of the Act could hinder democratic progress, civic engagement, undermine investor confidence, and deter the innovation necessary for economic growth.
The diplomats referenced the 2022 ECOWAS Court of Justice ruling that found the Act inconsistent with Nigeria’s obligations concerning freedom of expression under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Intended initially to combat online fraud and cyberterrorism, the Act risks being misused to suppress free expression and undermine democratic participation.
The envoys welcomed the Minister of Information’s commitment to work with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to review the Act, ensuring it aligns with Nigeria’s constitutional values. They noted that amending the Act would impact not only free expression but also Nigeria’s economic prospects, as innovation and foreign investment are crucial in the digital age.
They highlighted the Nigerian Communications Commission’s estimate that the country loses $500 million annually to cybercrime, necessitating a response. However, they argued that the Act’s broad language, particularly its ambiguous definitions of terms like ‘false information,’ ‘cyberstalking,’ ‘harassment,’ and ‘insult,’ creates potential for misuse.
The ambassadors urged Nigerian lawmakers to refine the Act’s definitions to prevent potential abuse. As Nigeria’s friends and supporters of its democratic values, they expressed their hope that the country will achieve its potential as a democratic digital leader. Balancing these issues is crucial for ensuring a stable and open democracy, alongside economic growth driven by investment.
In conclusion, the envoys acknowledged that Nigeria is not alone in facing these challenges, as democracies worldwide navigate the evolving digital landscape.