CSOs urge FG to reintroduce cybersecurity levy

By Abdullahi Yusuf

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the aegis of Civil Society Interactive has urged the Federal Government to reintroduce the Cybersecurity Levy considering its advantages of enhancing security framework of financial operations in the country.

The call is contained in a Communique issued at the end of a one-day Review Meeting held at Arewa Auditorium, with the theme: “Economic implications of Revoking the Cyber Security Levy vis-a-vis the advantages.”

The Communique which was jointly signed by the coalition’s National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara, respectively, said members of the CSOs from across 28 States of federation “reviewed the pros and cons and agreed that the cybersecurity levy will enhance the security framework of financial operations.”

According to the document,advantages of the cybersecurity Levy far outweigh the disadvantages being advanced by some Nigerians.

“The Interactive forum noted that the public rejection of the Cyber Crime law and the subsequent CBN directive was as a direct result of lack of adequate consultation and public sensitisation and enlightenment on the Law.

“The Forum recognises, upholds and supports the Cyber Crime law and demand that it should be amended and reintroduced.

“The forum emphasises that Cuber Crime has done a serious damage to the image of Nigeria and Nigerians and its a menace and danger that must be confronted and addressed.

“The Forum Supports the CBN deductions to address the crime perpetrated in our cyber space.

“The Forum insists that Nigeria is facing a serious security challenges to its survival and unity and that cyber crime constitutes a major element of that challenge and must be defeated.

“The Forum calls on the FG to engage and Civil Society Groups and the Media in the public education and enlightenment sphere of the Law,” the Communique added.