The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block all pornographic websites in the country.
The resolution, passed during plenary, mandates NCC to compel all internet service providers to restrict access to such content immediately.
The motion, sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Katsina State, highlighted concerns over the rise of cyber pornography in Nigeria.
Moving the motion leading to the passing of the resolution, Tafoki argued that cyber pornography was becoming a global problem, adding that Nigeria had not taken adequate steps to address it.
According to him, Nigeria is a “highly religious country” where major faiths preach against and prohibit nudity and obscenity.
The lawmaker went further to state that several countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East had enacted laws banning pornography.
To drive home his point, the Katsina lawmaker made reference to warnings from psychologists and sociologists about the negative impact of p0rnography.
According to him, p0rnography could lead to adultery, prostitution and addiction.
“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings on the psychological, sociological and mental consequences of viewing p0rnographic content,” he said.
Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives subjected the motion to a voice vote where the lawmakers voted in support of it.
The House directed the NCC to impose penalties on service providers that fail to comply with the directive