By Fatima Saka
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has welcomed the move by the House of Representatives to amend key provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, describing it as a major step toward addressing long-standing concerns over the law’s use in restricting press freedom and silencing whistleblowers.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Executive Director, Akintunde Babatunde, CJID said the proposed “Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB 2740)” represents the first significant legislative effort to correct legal ambiguities that have repeatedly been used to intimidate journalists and undermine investigative reporting in Nigeria.
The bill, sponsored by the House Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi (Ekiti North 1, Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency), passed its first reading on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. It seeks to strengthen protections for media freedom while closing gaps in sections 24, 27, and 38 of the existing law.
According to the proposed amendments, the legislation aims to clarify Section 24 to prevent vague interpretations that criminalise legitimate journalism, ensure that disputes arising from public interest reporting are handled through civil rather than criminal processes, and exempt journalists and whistleblowers who lawfully handle confidential information. It also proposes stronger judicial oversight in data access processes and reinforces protections for freedom of expression in line with constitutional and international human rights standards.
CJID noted that the reforms, if properly implemented, would help reduce the misuse of cybercrime legislation to harass journalists and suppress public-interest reporting.
The organisation highlighted its sustained advocacy on the issue, particularly following the 2024 amendment of the Act, which it says did not adequately address the concerns of media practitioners.
At a 2024 World Press Freedom Day event jointly organised with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), CJID recalled that Hon. Akin Rotimi acknowledged the need for legislative review to strengthen press freedom protections and align Nigeria’s laws with democratic principles.
In May 2024, CJID also convened a high-level coalition of media stakeholders, legal experts, academics, and civil society actors, where participants raised alarm over the continued use of the Cybercrime Act to justify arrests and harassment of journalists. Despite earlier amendments, the coalition concluded that legal ambiguity, institutional abuse, and weak accountability mechanisms had allowed the law to remain a tool for intimidation.
Further, in February 2026, CJID—on behalf of the Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF)—submitted a memorandum to the Senate through the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity. The submission urged urgent correction of problematic provisions in sections 24, 27, and 38 of the Senate’s corresponding amendment bill (SB. 876).
CJID also referenced its Press Attack Tracker, which recorded at least 18 cases since the 2024 amendment where journalists were arrested, detained, or charged under cybercrime-related provisions linked to their reporting activities.
While commending the House of Representatives, CJID urged lawmakers under the leadership of Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to ensure a comprehensive and precise review of the law to prevent future misuse against journalists.
The organisation further cautioned against introducing new provisions that could expand state powers in ways that may endanger media freedom or weaken constitutional protections.
A successful amendment, CJID said, would significantly reduce the criminalisation of legitimate journalism and create a safer environment for investigative reporting in Nigeria.
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CJID reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legislative reforms that balance digital governance with fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, press freedom, and whistleblower protection.
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is a West African media development and innovation organisation focused on strengthening investigative journalism, media literacy, elections coverage, human rights reporting, and journalist safety to promote democratic accountability and inclusive development across Africa.
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