On May 6, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mandated banks and financial institutions to impose a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on electronic transfers, sparking discontent among many Nigerians and groups who argue that banking transactions are becoming excessively costly due to numerous charges.

TUC President Festus Usifo, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, criticized the silence of opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly regarding the matter. He expressed disappointment that they have failed to take a stand on the issue and accused the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of exacerbating the challenges faced by Nigerians.

Usifo questioned the absence of opposition parties such as the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP in addressing the issue in the National Assembly. He lamented the lack of transparency in the legislative process, highlighting the absence of public hearings and advertisements regarding bills like the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024.

According to Usifo, organized labor was not consulted by lawmakers during the passage of the Cybercrime Act, further underscoring the need for greater transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process.

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