Reps ask CBN to halt implementation of 0.5% cybercrime levy

The House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) to halt the implementation of the 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy on transactions.

The House resolution was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, on Thursday.

A circular released on Monday by the CBN said the implementation of the levy would begin two weeks from the day of its announcement.

The circular was directed to all commercial, merchant, non-interest and payment service banks.

According to the CBN, the directive is in line with the recent amendment to the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024.

Leading the debate on the motion, Mr Chinda said the Cybercrime Act is being implemented wrongly by the CBN.

The House directed the CBN to withdraw the ambiguous circular and issue a new one that provides clarity.