Nigeria plans cybercrime law review to address AI and disinformation threats

The Nigerian government is moving to review its cybercrime legislation to address emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence, including online fraud, digital surveillance, and attacks on critical infrastructure. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi announced that the Federal Ministry of Justice has advanced work on a draft executive bill designed to strengthen the nation's legal framework.

The proposed updates aim to reflect rapid technological developments, improve the preservation and exchange of electronic evidence, and enhance cooperation among law enforcement agencies. This initiative follows Nigeria's accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and aligns with the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

At a national symposium in Kaduna, security officials also emphasized that the battle against security threats has shifted into the information space. Experts warned that disinformation, deepfakes, and manipulated narratives can undermine public trust and complicate security operations. Officials called for increased inter-agency collaboration to manage cyber threats and ensure a coordinated response to crises.