The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has directed all law enforcement agencies, regulators, businesses, and stakeholders to immediately initiate the comprehensive enforcement of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc. Amendment Act 2024).
In a statement released by the Head of Strategic Communications Office of the NSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, it was revealed that all obstacles hindering the full operationalization of the Cybercrimes Law have been addressed.
As per the directive, a 0.5 percent levy on all electronic transactions valued by specified businesses listed in the Second Schedule to the Cybercrimes Act will be imposed and credited to the National Cybercrime Fund.
“Arising from the high-level African International Counter Terrorism Meeting in Abuja between April 22 and 23, 2024, African leaders stressed the urgent need for the improved deployment of greater support and resources towards strengthening cybersecurity activities in Africa and taking concrete steps to prevent the use of social media and other platforms by terrorists and organised criminal groups,“ the statement read.
“In view of the need to secure Nigeria’s digital space and safeguard national security and economic interests, as well as deploy additional resources to counter terrorism and violent extremism as provided in section 44(5) of the Cybercrimes Act, all law enforcement agencies, regulators, businesses and stakeholders have been communicated by this office to put in place mechanisms for the full implementation and enforcement of the Cybercrimes, Prohibition, Prevention, Etc Amendment Act 2024
“By this amendment, all impediments to the full operationalisation of the Cybercrimes law have been addressed.
“Consequently, a levy of 0.5 per cent of all electronic transactions value by the specified businesses in the Second Schedule to the Act shall be paid and credited into the National Cybercrime Fund.”