Senator Ali Ndume has criticized the recent introduction of a cybersecurity levy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, arguing that the Federal Government must not impose new taxes without also raising the income of Nigerians.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today Programme, Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress, voiced concerns over the burden the cybersecurity levy would impose on Nigerians.
“You cannot be loading taxes on people when you are not increasing their income. Their source of income, you are not widening it, you are not increasing it. I am not part of those that support levying people anyhow,” Ndume emphasized.
While acknowledging his support for amending the Cybersecurity Act, Ndume expressed regret that he did not notice the provision that would burden Nigerians.
“Looking at the nitty-gritty would have been the responsibility of interested parties. If I had known there is an issue where a cost would be transferred to a customer or a Nigerian, I would not agree,” he stated.
Ndume argued that responsibility for scrutinizing such details should not fall solely on lawmakers, urging civil society organizations and labor unions to highlight potential issues during public hearings.
Beyond Boders recalls that the Central Bank of Nigeria issued a circular on May 6, instructing deposit money banks, mobile money operators, and payment service providers to deduct the levy for remittance to the National Cybersecurity Fund, managed by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The proposed levy has faced widespread criticism, with labour unions threatening nationwide action if the government does not reconsider.