By Our Reporter
The House of Representatives has directed the immediate shutdown of all pornographic websites in Nigeria.
The lawmakers instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce the total closure of these websites across the country. The directive was issued during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Under the new mandate, internet service providers (ISPs) are required to block access to these sites.
Dalhatu Tafoki, the representative for Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, sponsored the motion, describing the move as necessary to “protect societal values.”
Tafoki emphasized the urgency of the action: “I move for the blocking of websites hosting pornographic content and the imposition of sanctions on the internet service providers enabling them. Cyber pornography has become a global issue, and Nigeria has not taken significant steps to address its growing prevalence.”
He further noted Nigeria’s religious context: “Nigeria is a deeply religious nation, where all major faiths condemn nudity and obscenity. Countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have already enacted laws banning pornography, and it is high time we followed suit.”
Tafoki also referenced the warnings of psychologists and sociologists about the harmful effects of pornography, including the promotion of adultery, prostitution, promiscuity, addiction, and desensitization. “Such content negatively alters attitudes towards individuals and families,” he added.
The House adopted the motion, tasking the Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance with overseeing its implementation and submitting a report within four weeks for further legislative action.
Speaker Tajudeen Abass also issued a stern warning, stating that sanctions would be applied to internet service providers that fail to comply with the directive. The motion passed following a voice vote in favor.