Cyber Security Levy: CSO Advocates Support For Government’s Implementation

A civil society organization known as Nigeria First Project (NF-PRO) in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria, has called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s implementation plan for the newly introduced cybersecurity levy to help combat cybercrime in the country.

The leader of the group Hamza Saulawa, made this call at a press briefing in Kano State Northwest Nigeria.

Saulawa emphasized that the levy will provide increased funding from internal sources for security agencies to combat cybercrimes and terrorism.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing campaign against the cyber security levy, despite clarifications on the initiative, and urged Nigerians to objectively examine the levy’s prospects.

The group highlighted the negative impact of cybercrime on Nigeria’s economy and global image, citing the embarrassment and humiliation faced by innocent Nigerians worldwide.

The group noted that Nigeria loses $500 million to cyber criminals annually and urged support for the levy to reverse this trend.

“This coalition of like-minded Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is in full support of the Implementation of the Cybersecurity levy.

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 ”We are calling on all patriotic Nigerians to rally around the Federal Government in its noble determination to rid our nation of any vestige of criminality, Cybercrimes, and terrorism inclusive.”

Saulawa condemned an ongoing hysterical vicious campaign against the cyber security levy by some Nigerians, despite clarifications on the initiative.

“In the face of growing cybercrimes in Nigeria with its attendant consequences on our nation, we find the ongoing hysterical vicious campaign against the Cyber security levy incongruent with the desire of many patriotic Nigerians to see that our hitherto country’s good image is restored.

 “It is obvious that the conversation is being manipulated by a section of the minority vocal elites to look as if the levy is imposed to punish the masses. 

This is happening despite the clarification made by the Chairman, of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Umar Buba.

‘‘We feel that this kind of debate in which many take an extreme end is not helpful at all.” the group said.

The CSO called on Nigerians to understand that, cybercrime is not only undermining Nigeria’s economy but has also continued to tarnish its image globally.