In a move to addressing online content regulation, the House of Representatives has called on the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to instruct Internet Service Providers operating in Nigeria to implement immediate measures blocking websites containing pornographic and obscene content.
This directive emerged following Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja, where lawmakers adopted a motion presented by Dalhatu Tafoki, representing Katsina State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During his presentation, Representative Tafoki highlighted the growing concern of cyber pornography, noting that insufficient steps have been taken to address this issue in Nigeria. He emphasized that Nigeria’s religious foundations—across all major faiths practiced in the country—reject nudity and obscenity in any form.
Tafoki referenced international precedents, pointing out that numerous nations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have already established legislation prohibiting pornographic content within their jurisdictions.
The lawmaker cited warnings from mental health professionals about potential negative consequences associated with pornography consumption. These effects, according to Tafoki, include disruption of marital relationships, promotion of adultery and prostitution, creation of unrealistic expectations leading to dangerous sexual behaviors, addiction, desensitization, and harmful changes in personal and family attitudes.
In response, the House urged the NCC to fully enforce the provisions of both the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against non-compliant Internet Service Providers.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to monitor implementation and submit a progress report within four weeks for further legislative consideration.
