The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to collaborate with the National Assembly, media organizations, and other key stakeholders in the ongoing review of Nigeria's Cybercrime Act.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a meeting with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills, in Abuja on Tuesday.

"On the suggestion about the ongoing review of the Cybercrime Act, we will have our input there by working with the National Assembly, other stakeholders, the media and everyone, to ensure that we have an Act that is acceptable by all and that also serves its purpose," the Minister stated.

According to a statement issued by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, the meeting focused on democratic freedoms, press rights, and Nigeria's evolving digital regulatory framework.

Idris reaffirmed the Tinubu administration's dedication to upholding freedom of expression and press freedom, describing them as essential pillars of Nigeria's democracy.

"I have shared my thoughts with the Ambassador and I also reiterated the government's commitment to continue to uphold freedom of expression and not to limit the space for journalists to do their work. We will continue to uphold that. We believe that journalism and the media are all integral part of democracy," he said.

The Minister emphasized that "there is no democratic experience that can succeed without the Fourth Estate of the Realm."

While advocating for a free press, Idris also called on journalists to practice responsible reporting guided by national interest. He urged media practitioners to "continue to be more responsible" and "promote responsible journalism and also to be patriotic because that's the only way that democracy can thrive."

To combat the growing challenges of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, the Minister revealed that the Ministry will continue to promote media and information literacy initiatives.

In his remarks, U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills described the discussions as productive and commended the Minister for his commitment to protecting press freedom, particularly considering the upcoming review of the Cybercrime Act.

"I have just had a very good private discussion with the Minister regarding freedom of the press here in Nigeria and his commitment to that space for expression and for freedom of the press and I welcomed his statement on May 3rd on World Press Freedom Day that reiterated his government's commitment to the freedom of the press," Mills said.

The Ambassador added: "We also discussed upcoming consideration of reforms to the Cybercrime Act and my encouragement that the Ministry of Information plays an important role in that reforms in the National Assembly."

This meeting marks the second official engagement between Ambassador Mills and Minister Idris on issues relating to press freedom in Nigeria.