The House of Representatives has urged the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to instruct Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block all websites hosting obscene and pornographic content in the country.
The House also directed the NCC to enforce the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against any ISPs that fail to comply.
The resolution followed a motion titled “Need to Block Internet Websites Hosting Pornographic Contents and Sanction Defaulting Internet Service Providers (ISPs),” sponsored by Rep. Dalhatu Tafoki during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.
Moving the motion, Rep. Tafoki expressed concern over the rising accessibility of explicit content online, highlighting the absence of significant measures to curb the issue in Nigeria. He emphasized that Nigeria upholds strong religious values, with all major faiths opposing indecent exposure and immoral content.
He further noted that many countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted laws restricting access to pornographic materials.
“The immediate effects of viewing pornographic content include deception in marriage, which can later affect family life, promote adultery, prostitution, and unrealistic expectations that may lead to dangerous promiscuous behavior,” Tafoki stated.
He also referenced expert warnings in psychology and sociology about the negative impact of pornography on mental and social well-being.
Following his motion, the House adopted the resolution and mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to oversee implementation, with a report expected within four weeks for further legislative action.
