Nigeria Moves to Ban Access to Pornographic Websites: House of Representatives Directs NCC
In a decisive move to curb online access to explicit content, Nigeria’s House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that internet service providers block all pornographic websites. This directive was issued following a motion by Dalhatu Tafoki, a lawmaker from Katsina State, who expressed deep concern over the growing influence of cyber pornography in the country. Tafoki emphasized that Nigeria, being a religiously inclined nation, cannot afford to ignore the harmful effects of unrestricted access to explicit content, which contradicts the moral and cultural values upheld by its major religious communities.
The lawmaker further highlighted that several countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East have implemented stringent regulations against pornography, setting a precedent for Nigeria to follow. He cited expert opinions from psychologists and sociologists, who warn that the consumption of pornographic material could fuel issues such as infidelity, prostitution, and addiction. Given these potential dangers, the House believes that strict measures must be taken to regulate internet content and prevent easy access to explicit materials, particularly among young and impressionable individuals.
To enforce this decision, the House of Representatives has tasked the NCC with applying relevant provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act to hold internet service providers accountable. Additionally, the Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance have been directed to oversee the implementation of this directive and report back within four weeks. This development signals Nigeria’s firm stance on internet regulation and the government’s commitment to upholding moral values in the digital space.
