The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the National Assembly, the media, and other stakeholders in the ongoing review of the Cybercrime Act, aiming to create a balanced and widely accepted regulatory framework.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this on Tuesday in Abuja after a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills. The discussions, held at the Minister’s office, focused on democratic freedoms, press rights, and Nigeria’s evolving digital regulatory landscape, according to a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media.
“We will work with the National Assembly, the media, and other stakeholders to ensure the Cybercrime Act is acceptable to all and serves its purpose,” Idris said, addressing the review process.
The Minister reiterated the Tinubu administration’s dedication to upholding freedom of expression and press freedom, describing them as vital to Nigeria’s democracy. “Journalism and the media are integral to democracy. No democratic experience can succeed without the Fourth Estate,” he stated, emphasizing that the government will not restrict journalists’ work.
However, Idris urged the media to practice responsible journalism and prioritize national interest. “While observing press freedom, journalists should promote responsible reporting and patriotism to strengthen democracy,” he said. To combat fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, the Ministry will further promote media and information literacy.
U.S. Ambassador Mills described the meeting as productive, commending Idris for his commitment to press freedom, particularly in the context of the Cybercrime Act review. “I welcomed the Minister’s World Press Freedom Day statement on May 3, reiterating his government’s commitment to press freedom,” Mills said. He also encouraged the Ministry to play a key role in the Act’s reforms in the National Assembly.
This marks the second official engagement between Idris and Mills on press freedom issues in Nigeria, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts to support a free and responsible media environment.
