Nigeria's Attorney-General proposes new cybercrime legislation

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated efforts to overhaul the country's cybercrime legislation in response to emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence, including advanced online fraud and attacks on critical infrastructure. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, announced that the Federal Ministry of Justice has developed a draft executive bill aimed at strengthening the legal framework for investigating and prosecuting cybercrime.

This announcement was made during the second International Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo. The proposed legislation seeks to address technological advancements, improve the preservation and exchange of electronic evidence, and enhance cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

Fagbemi noted that the initiative builds on Nigeria's engagement with international conventions on cybercrime. Additionally, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi revealed that the agency is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Assembly to review the Cybercrimes Act.