By Joke Kujenya
THE HOUSE of Representatives, in a decisive move, under the leadership of Tajudeen Abbas, has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to cease the implementation of the cybercrime levy with immediate effect.
This directive, issued on Thursday, comes in response to concerns raised regarding the compatibility of the CBN’s circular with the provisions outlined in the Cybercrime Act.
The circular, issued by the CBN, has drawn criticism for its potential misinterpretation by Nigerian citizens, with claims that it contradicts Section 44 (2a) of the Cybercrime Act.
This section explicitly outlines the entities responsible for the payment of the levy, a fact that the House believes the circular fails to adequately reflect.
The motion for urgent action was put forth by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Rivers State, on behalf of all lawmakers.
The House unanimously supported the motion, emphasizing the necessity of aligning the CBN’s directives with the legal framework provided by the Cybercrime Act.
Chinda clarified that according to Section 44(2a) of the Cybercrime Act, entities such as GSM and telecom companies, Internet providers, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and the Stock Exchange are the designated contributors to the stipulated fees.
The circular issued by the CBN, however, has sparked widespread apprehension across the nation, leading to concerns that ordinary Nigerians may be unfairly burdened with the levy during a time marked by economic challenges, including rising petroleum prices.
The lawmaker further expressed dissatisfaction with the varied interpretations that the CBN circular has generated, stressing the need for clarity and adherence to the provisions of the Cybercrime Act.
As such, the House has called for the immediate withdrawal of the initial circular and the issuance of a revised directive that aligns with the legal framework established by the Act. This development underscores the House of Representatives’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that regulatory measures are implemented in a manner that is consistent with legislative mandates, safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders involved.
