Senator Ali Ndume has criticized the Central Bank of Nigeria’s introduction of a cybersecurity levy, stating that the government cannot continue to impose levies on citizens without increasing their income.
The All Progressives Congress lawmaker, representing Borno South Senatorial District, made this statement on a television program, emphasizing that the levy will add to the tax burden on Nigerians.
Ndume expressed regret for not thoroughly examining the amended Cybersecurity Act, which he had supported, and acknowledged that he didn’t notice the provision that places a burden on citizens.
The senate leader said, “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.”
He stressed that while improving the Cybercrime Act is necessary, transferring costs to citizens is unacceptable.
The senator emphasized that lawmakers alone should not be blamed for the Act, as civil society organizations and labour unions have a responsibility to point out grey areas during public hearings.
“The amendment to the Cybersecurity Act, I supported it but not the nitty-gritty and I am not trying to run away from any blame. We have issues with cybercrime you know that, and there is a need for the government to improve the Cybercrime Act, that is what I understand by the amendment.
“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 said.
He urged for a reevaluation of the cybersecurity levy, which has been met with widespread condemnation, including threats of nationwide action by labor unions if the government fails to reconsider.