The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to direct Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country to immediately block all websites hosting obscene and pornographic content.
It also mandated the NCC to enforce the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against defaulting ISPs.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Block Internet Websites Hosting Pornographic Content and Sanction Defaulting Internet Service Providers (ISPs),” moved by Rep. Dalhatu Tafoki during Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja.
Tafoki expressed concern over the rising spread of explicit content on the internet, stating that no significant action has been taken to curb the trend in Nigeria. He emphasized that Nigeria upholds strong religious and moral values, with all major faiths in the country opposing indecent exposure and immoral content.
He also noted that several countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted laws prohibiting the distribution and access to such materials within their jurisdictions.
Tafoki warned that exposure to such content could lead to deception in marriage, affect family life, promote adultery and prostitution, and create unrealistic expectations that encourage dangerous promiscuous behavior. He further cited concerns from experts in psychology and sociology regarding the negative impact of explicit content on individuals’ mental and social well-being.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
