The Nigerian government has taken a decisive step to boost cybersecurity in the country. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has ordered the full enforcement of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention Act, 2024 (amended).
This move comes after a high-level African International Counter Terrorism Meeting in Abuja, where African leaders emphasized the need for improved cybersecurity measures.
As a result, National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has directed all law enforcement agencies, regulators, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the Cybercrimes Act.
In a statement, Ribadu explained that the order aims to secure Nigeria’s digital space, safeguard national security and economic interests, and counter terrorism and violent extremism.
The amended Act addresses all impediments to the full operationalization of the Cybercrimes law. A key provision is the introduction of a 0.5 percent levy on the value of all electronic transactions by specified businesses. This levy will be credited to the National Cybercrime Fund, supporting efforts to combat cybercrimes.
