The Nigerian House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to instruct internet service providers (ISPs) to block all websites hosting obscene and pornographic content. This action aims to address the growing concerns over the accessibility of explicit material online and its potential negative impact on societal values.
The motion, introduced by Representative Dalhatu Tafoki from Katsina State, highlighted that Nigeria, being a predominantly religious nation, upholds values that oppose nudity and obscenity. Tafoki emphasized that unrestricted access to pornographic material could lead to issues such as deception in marriages, promotion of adultery, prostitution, and unrealistic expectations resulting in promiscuous behavior.
Supporting the motion, lawmakers referenced warnings from psychologists and sociologists regarding the adverse effects of consuming explicit content, including addiction, desensitization, and detrimental changes in personal and familial attitudes. They noted that several countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted laws prohibiting pornography to safeguard their cultural and moral standards.
The House also directed the NCC to enforce the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against any ISPs that fail to comply with this directive. The Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance have been tasked with ensuring the implementation of this resolution and are expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
This move underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to regulating online content in line with the nation’s cultural and religious values, aiming to mitigate the potential societal harm associated with unrestricted access to pornographic material.
