The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to working closely with the National Assembly, media professionals, and other key stakeholders in the ongoing review of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Thursday while speaking to journalists after a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, in Abuja.
According to Idris, the goal is to produce a revised law that reflects a broad-based consensus and effectively addresses cybercrime without undermining constitutional freedoms.
“We intend to contribute meaningfully to the review by working with the National Assembly, stakeholders, the media, and others to ensure the Cybercrime Act is both effective and acceptable to all,” the minister stated.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to press freedom and the right to free expression, describing them as essential pillars of democracy.
“No democracy can succeed without a free and vibrant press. The government recognises the media as a vital partner in democratic governance,” Idris said.
While defending freedom of the press, the minister also called on journalists to practice responsible and patriotic journalism, stressing the importance of truth and accuracy in media reporting.
“We urge Nigerian media practitioners to uphold high standards of responsibility and patriotism. This is essential for a thriving democracy,” he said.
He further pledged to strengthen media and information literacy campaigns to combat fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mills described the meeting as productive, particularly regarding discussions on press freedom and the Cybercrime Act review. He welcomed the minister’s remarks on World Press Freedom Day and encouraged the ministry’s active role in reforming the law.
“We had a valuable conversation about press freedom in Nigeria. I appreciate the minister’s May 3rd statement reaffirming the government’s commitment to free expression,” Mills said.
He added that he supports the Ministry of Information’s involvement in the upcoming legislative process concerning the Cybercrime Act.
This marks the second official meeting between Ambassador Mills and Minister Idris on press-related matters.
