Minister pledges collaboration on Cybercrime Act reform

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, has pledged to work closely with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to ensure the enactment of a Cybercrime Act that is inclusive and meets the needs of all parties.

Idris made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr., on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister thanked the ambassador for initiating discussions on the safety of journalists and the proposed Cybercrime Act, which is currently under review by the National Assembly.

“We will engage with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders, including the media, to ensure the Act is both effective and acceptable to all,” Idris stated.

He reiterated Nigeria’s strong commitment to press freedom, noting that the government would not impose restrictions on the media but rather foster an environment in which journalists can operate freely.

“Nigeria enjoys substantial press freedom, and we will continue to protect that space because a free press strengthens our democracy,” Idris added.

He also reminded journalists of their responsibility to ensure that their work supports the democratic process, urging them to remain patriotic and responsible in their reporting.

Ambassador Mills praised the minister for his remarks on World Press Freedom Day on May 3 and encouraged the Ministry to play a leading role in the Cybercrime Act reform process.