The Chief Executive Officer, of Creative Intelligence (CI) Group, Femi Odewunmi, has given reason why the suspended Cybersecurity Levy failed. The CI ECO said the price governments pay for neglecting proper communication strategies led the failure of the proposed levy.
Odewunmi said, “This incident exposes haphazard crisis of communication in the public sector. He, therefore, stated that Governments must prioritize its policies. Make them clear, transparent, and timely communicate the public to gain support and avoid missteps.”
The CEO advised public institutions to note that effective communication was not optional nor just an expense. But an investment in ensuring successful policy implementation.
Odewunmi, however, noted the Cybersecurity Levy was intended to bolster national defences against cyber threats.
He said negative sentiment and self-inflicted wound faced by Central Bank, Office of National Security, and the Presidency was avoidable through proper communication.
“Media reports point to missteps that fuelled public discontent.
“First, the levy’s introduction lacked transparency. The public was in the dark regarding the levy’s allocation and justification for a 0.5 per cent levy on electronic transactions. This fostered suspicion and distrust.
“Also, the timing, amid hardship, was insensitive. Citizens struggling with inflation saw the levy as more burden.”
Odewunmi said a proactive and transparent communication strategy could have mitigated the damage.
“Imagine a scenario where government, before implementation, educated the public. Highlighting the escalating cyber threats facing the financial sector and critical infrastructure…’
source: The Nation
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