Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the readiness of the executive arm of government to work closely with the National Assembly, media and other critical stakeholders on the ongoing review of the Cybercrime Act.

Speaking after a meeting with the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, in Abuja, Idris explained that the goal of the collaboration was to ensure the emergence of a law that reflects broader consensus.

He said: “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 that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to upholding freedom of expression and press freedom as fundamental pillars of the country’s democracy.

Idris emphasised that no democracy could thrive without an independent and vibrant media, reiterating the government’s recognition of the media as a critical partner in democratic governance.

He went on: “I have shared my thoughts with the Ambassador, and I also reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding 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.

“There is no democratic experience that can succeed without the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”

The minister urged the media to exercise press freedom with a strong sense of responsibility and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.

He also pledged to continue to promote media and Information literacy to curb the spread and consumption of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

In his remarks, the American envoy described his discussion with the minister as fruitful, particularly on issues relating to press freedom and the critical role the ministry would play in the forthcoming review of the Cybercrime Act.

He also welcomed the minister’s statement issued on World Press Freedom Day, which reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to upholding press freedom.

The meeting marked the second official engagement between the duo on matters relating to press freedom in Nigeria.