A coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of Civil Society Interactive has urged Nigerians to reconsider the cybersecurity levy, because its advantages outweigh the excuses for revoking it.
The group held an interactive forum on the rejection of the cybersecurity levy at the Grand Central Hotel, Kano on Wednesday, noting that the public rejection of the cyber crime law and the subsequent CBN directive was as a result of lack of adequate consultation, sensitization and enlightenment on the Law.
In the communique signed by the National Coordinator Comrade Abraham Douglas, Secretary Comrade Bala Ikara and other members of the CSOs across 28 states, said they have review it to realize that there is need for it.
“CSOs have reviewed the pros and cons and agree that the cyber security levy will enhance the security framework of financial operations.
“We urge the federal government to reintroduce the cybersecurity levy, considering its advantages of enhancing security framework of financial operations in the country.
“We support the Cyber Crime law and demand that it should be amended and reintroduced.
“Let us also emphasize that Cyber Crime has done a serious damage to the image of Nigeria and Nigerians such that its menace and danger must be confronted and addressed.
“We support the CBN proposed deductions to tackle the crime being perpetrated through the cyber space,” Comrade Douglas said.
The Forum noted that Nigeria was facing serious security challenges of which cyber crime constitutes a major element of that challenge and must be defeated.
The Forum called on the FG to engage the Civil Society Groups and the Media in the public education and enlightenment sphere of the Law.