House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to immediately halt the implementation of the cybercrime levy in compliance with the provisions of the Cybercrime Act.
It adopted a motion of urgent public importance moved by Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) on behalf of the entire lawmakers.
The House asked the Central Bank to immediately withdraw its earlier circular on the implementation of the levy and issue another circular in love with the provisions of the Act.
Chinda said section 44(2a) of the Cybercrime Act listed those to pay the stipulated fees as GSM and telecom companies, Internet providers, Banks and other financial institutions, insurance companies and stock exchange.
He explained that the circular from the CBN has raised apprehension across the country as it has given the impression that the levy is to be paid by Nigerians in an era when they are still battling with an increase in the price of petroleum products among others.
The lawmaker said further that the CBN circular has been subjected to several interpretations.
