Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has launched a scathing critique against the Tinubu-led administration for its decision to impose a Cybersecurity Levy on Nigerians. Obi described the move as unreasonable, especially considering the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
In a statement shared on his official platform, Obi condemned the government’s focus on extracting revenue from a struggling economy instead of implementing measures to foster recovery and growth. He expressed concern over the administration’s insistence on policies that not only burden citizens financially but also hamper the country’s competitiveness in the global economic landscape.
“The introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth,” Obi stated.
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He highlighted the adverse effects of the levy on businesses, emphasizing that it would further deplete their capital amid currency devaluation and high inflation rates. Obi questioned the rationale behind introducing new taxes at a time when the government should be alleviating the financial strain on citizens to curb inflation.
Furthermore, Obi raised concerns about the role of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in revenue collection, questioning the alignment of such activities with the office’s core mandate. He called for transparency regarding the utilization of revenue generated through the cybersecurity levy, emphasizing the need for accountability in government actions.
As the debate surrounding the cybersecurity levy intensifies, Obi’s criticism underscores the growing discontent among Nigerians over the government’s economic policies and taxation measures.
