The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed deposit money banks and financial institutions to suspend processing fees on deposits until September 30, 2024.

In a circular dated May 6, 2024, the apex bank ordered financial institutions to suspend processing charges imposed on cash deposits above N500,000 for individuals and N3,000,000 for corporates.

This directive, signed by the CBN’s Acting Director of Banking Supervision, Adetona Adedeji, aims to alleviate financial burdens on depositors.

The recent directive follows previous instructions from the CBN, which mandated deposit money banks to impose a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on transactions, a move that has stirred public outcry.

The circular stated, “Please refer to our letter dated December 11, 2023, referenced BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/016/023 on the above subject, suspending processing charges imposed on cash deposits above N500,000 for individuals and N3,000,000 for corporates as contained in the ‘Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial Institutions and Non-Bank Financial Institutions’ issued on December 20, 2019.”

It continued, “The Central Bank of Nigeria hereby extends the suspension of the processing fees of 2% and 3% previously charged on all cash deposits above these thresholds until September 30, 2024. Consequently, all financial institutions regulated by the CBN should continue to accept all cash deposits from the public without any charges until September 30, 2024.”

.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government, threatening a large-scale protest that could bring the economy to a standstill if the controversial cybersecurity levy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is not revoked.

In a statement released on Wednesday, TUC President, Festus Osifo, criticised the recent directive by the CBN imposing a 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy on nearly all electronic transactions.

This move comes on the heels of heavy criticism from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which labeled the levy as an additional burden on Nigerians.

The TUC condemned the timing of the levy, highlighting the economic challenges already faced by Nigerians, including the devaluation of the Naira, high petrol prices, and increased electricity tariffs.

Expressing dismay over government policies under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the TUC lamented the burden of multiple taxation endured by Nigerian account holders, both from the government and financial institutions.

The union further accused the National Assembly of colluding with elements in the executive to exploit citizens rather than protect them.

TUC emphasised that Nigerians are currently focused on concluding discussions regarding the minimum wage, urging the Federal Government to prioritise this over what it described as a “vexatious policy.”

It demanded the immediate withdrawal of the CBN circular to banks and the cancellation of the levy.

Warning of drastic action if their demands are not met, the TUC declared its readiness to mobilise members, stakeholders, and the masses for an immediate protest, potentially leading to the complete shutdown of the Nigerian economy.

According to the TUC, this levy represents one exploitation too many for the Nigerian populace.

The Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the recent renovation work carried out in the Senate Chamber, labeling it as substandard.

Under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules, Ndume expressed his concerns, highlighting various issues such as the poor quality of the sound system leading to echoes, inadequate sitting arrangements, and the absence of voting devices.

He remarked, “Since day one, precisely last week Tuesday when we moved into this Chamber that was supposed to have been renovated, there have been complaints here and there.”

In response, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, clarified that the sitting arrangement complaints among Senators have been largely resolved, noting that the renovation contract was not executed by the 10th National Assembly.

Meanwhile, in legislative proceedings, the Senate passed for the second reading a Bill aimed at repealing the Revenue, Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act of 2004.

The new legislation seeks to grant the Commission enforcement powers for monitoring revenue accruals and disbursement from the federation account, aligning it with the amended 1999 constitution.

Despite the bill’s passage, lawmakers have agreed to subject it to further scrutiny, with plans to revisit its provisions.

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance, Appropriations, and Economic and Financial Planning for review, with a report expected within four weeks.