Nigerian comedian Seyi Law has taken to social media to express his discontent with the new cybersecurity levy directive issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), while also questioning the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The directive, as reported by Okay.ng, mandates all financial institutions to deduct a cybersecurity levy on electronic transactions in line with provisions of the recently amended Cybercrime Act.
This levy, applied at the point of electronic transfer origination, aims to bolster cybersecurity measures in the country.
In his post on X, Seyi Law criticized the implementation of the cybersecurity levy, labeling it as punitive for Nigerians.
He expressed concern that the policy might deter banking transactions and advocated for a reconsideration of the levy rate.
Furthermore, Seyi Law directed his criticism towards President Bola Tinubu, questioning when the new minimum wage would be announced and implemented. He also called for changes in the cabinet, referring to some ministers as ‘non-performing.’
The comedian’s post read, “I hate when government agencies don’t speak up to the understanding of the citizens and allow wrong narratives to fester before tackling it. Cybersecurity level, according to the act, is 0.005%, and different figures from 0.5% to 3% are being thrown around. A 0.5% charge in the Nigeria of today is in itself too much punishment on Nigerians. Are we trying to discourage banking transactions again and encourage cash keeping? @cenbankshould revisit this abeg.
“Stamp duty is something, and now this. It is unacceptable. @NGRPresident @officialABAT, let the poor breathe. When will the new minimum wage be announced and implemented? Some of your ministers need to look for another job. One year is here and we are counting. Whether it 0.005 or 0.5%, this is not the time to implement it. Simple. I apologise for the misinterpretation.
“Why do some id#ots think that because you support a person, you must therefore accept all his policies? Yes, the cybersecurity level is from ammended act, I presume, but I don’t think this is the time for the implementation. If there is anything that should be paramount to the government, it should be the new minimum wage.
“Some of you are crying, una never see anything. My brother, na your papa and mama dey collect minimum wage. E no reach where I dey. The truth is the supporters of Mr. President are better Nigerians because we criticise when it is needed.”