The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a warning to the Nigerian government, threatening to initiate a nationwide protest that could paralyze the economy if the recently introduced cybersecurity levy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is not revoked.
In a statement released by TUC President Festus Osifo, the organization criticized the CBN’s directive imposing a 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy on electronic transactions, labeling it as burdensome for Nigerians already grappling with economic challenges.
The outcry against the levy has been widespread, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also condemning it as another financial strain on citizens.
The TUC expressed disbelief at the timing of the levy, coinciding with a period of high living costs exacerbated by currency devaluation, petrol price hikes, and electricity tariff increases.
Highlighting the burden of multiple taxes on Nigerian account holders, the TUC accused both the government and banks of exploiting citizens.
Blaming the National Assembly for complicity, the TUC accused some elements within the executive of collaborating to the detriment of the populace.
“We call on the federal government to give a marching order to the Central Bank of Nigeria to immediately withdraw the circular and cancel the planned levy forthwith; failure of which we will be left with no option but to mobilize all our members, stakeholders and indeed the entire masses to embark on the immediate protest that would culminate into the total shutdown of the Nigerian economy as this is one exploitation too many.
Enough is enough; Nigerians must breathe! These extortions must stop”, the statement read in part.
Please after the cyber security strike can strike electricity bill and DStv, GOtv increase its affiliates to hardship too fuel price has gone up and all the authority could do is silence people are suffering in this country
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