According to Vanguard, Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for suspending the 0.5% cybercrime levy initially announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Ndume praised the president's decision, emphasizing Tinubu's responsiveness and concern for the welfare of citizens.
In an interview with Arise Television, Ndume expressed his lack of surprise at Tinubu's swift action, citing Tinubu's reputation as a listening and reactive leader. He appreciated Tinubu's immediate response to the public outcry against the cybersecurity levy and highlighted the importance of revisiting the policy.
Reflecting on the genesis of the cybersecurity levy, Ndume explained that addressing cybercrime was a priority for the government upon assuming office. He underscored the constitutional mandate of the government to ensure the security and welfare of citizens, emphasizing the role of cybersecurity in national security.
He said, “When this administration came on board, the first issue that needed to be addressed was the issue of cybercrime. It is part of the purpose of government as outlined in section 14(2) of our constitution that the purpose of government is to ensure the security and welfare of the citizens.
“Cybercrime is an important part of security and that is why the government was in a hurry to look at the enabling law that was signed in 2015 and then strengthen it and give more powers to the institutions charged with that responsibility to ensure efficiency and address the serious cybercrime ravaging the country and spoiling our reputation and name.”
However, Ndume acknowledged that the law governing the cybersecurity levy was hastily passed, resulting in oversights of critical details. He urged Nigerians to actively engage with the law and propose implementable suggestions to enhance the fight against cybercrime.
Ndume commended Tinubu for his decisive action in suspending the cybersecurity levy and urged collaborative efforts to refine cybersecurity policies for the benefit of all Nigerians.