The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block all pornographic websites in the country.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Lawmakers also mandated all internet service providers (ISPs) in Nigeria to restrict access to pornographic content with immediate effect.
Dalhatu Tafoki, a lawmaker from Katsina State, sponsored the motion, which was supported by a majority of the House members.
Tafoki, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), argued that cyber pornography had become a global problem requiring urgent action.
He stressed that Nigeria had not taken sufficient measures to address the increasing availability of pornographic content online.
Concerns over cyber pornography
Tafoki highlighted Nigeria’s cultural and religious values, emphasizing that both Christianity and Islam preach against nudity and obscenity.
He described Nigeria as a “highly religious country” where moral and ethical standards discourage exposure to explicit content.
According to him, unrestricted access to pornography poses serious risks to individuals and society.
He cited examples of countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East that had already banned pornographic content.
He urged Nigeria to follow their example and enact measures to prevent access to such materials.
Tafoki warned that unregulated consumption of pornography could negatively impact young people and future generations.
Psychological and social risks highlighted
The lawmaker referenced warnings from psychologists and sociologists about the dangers of pornography consumption.
He explained that excessive exposure to pornographic content could lead to psychological distress and addiction.
Studies have shown that pornography can contribute to unhealthy perceptions of relationships and unrealistic sexual expectations.
Tafoki stated that consuming explicit content could lead to social vices like adultery and prostitution.
He warned that pornography addiction could damage marriages and family relationships.
According to him, exposure to explicit materials at a young age could influence attitudes toward sex and relationships.
He stressed that pornography could lead to increased cases of sexual violence and abuse.
Tafoki emphasized that banning pornography would help uphold the moral fabric of Nigerian society.
He urged lawmakers to support the motion to protect young people from harmful content.
House of Representatives supports motion
Following Tafoki’s presentation, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, subjected the motion to a voice vote.
A majority of lawmakers voted in favor of the resolution to block pornographic websites in Nigeria.
With the resolution passed, the House directed the NCC to implement the ban immediately.
Lawmakers also instructed the NCC to ensure strict compliance by all internet service providers in the country.
The House emphasized that penalties should be imposed on service providers that fail to enforce the directive.
Implementation and challenges
The NCC now has the responsibility of ensuring that ISPs comply with the new directive.
Blocking all pornographic websites may require technical adjustments by internet service providers.
Many Nigerians may attempt to bypass the restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs).
The effectiveness of the ban will depend on the enforcement measures put in place by the NCC.
Some stakeholders may support the ban due to its alignment with cultural and religious values.
Others may argue that restricting pornography violates digital rights and personal freedoms.
Critics may challenge the decision, citing concerns over internet censorship and government overreach.
Conclusion
The House of Representatives remains firm in its stance on banning pornography in Nigeria.
Lawmakers believe that blocking explicit content will protect the moral values of the country.
The resolution marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to regulate digital content.
The success of the ban will depend on how well the NCC and ISPs enforce it.
Discussions on internet regulation and digital rights are expected to continue in the coming months.