Senator Ali Ndume has condemned the proposed the cybersecurity levy, saying the levy will increase the tax burden on Nigerians.
Ndume said it is not appropriate for the government to continue to levy the citizens without 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.”But, Ndume said, while he supported the Act, it was regrettable that he didn’t spot the part that has placed a burden on Nigerians.
“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. Ndume said the lawmakers alone should not take the blame for the Act, adding that some things the lawmakers, civil society organisations and the labour unions are supposed to point out as grey areas during public hearing.In a circular dated May 6, 2024 to all deposit money banks and mobile money operators and payment service providers, the apex bank directed the deduction of the levy to be remitted to the National Cybersecurity Fund , administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser .