In a decisive move to uphold Nigeria’s cultural and moral fabric, the House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to compel internet service providers (ISPs) to block all websites hosting obscene and pornographic content across the country.
The resolution was passed on Tuesday following a motion sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, a lawmaker representing Katsina State, who decried the rampant access to pornographic materials and its detrimental effects on societal values, particularly among young people.
Tafoki, in his argument, underscored the damaging influence of unrestricted access to explicit content, warning that it fosters moral decay and fuels social vices such as adultery, prostitution, and addiction. Citing global precedents, he pointed out that several nations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted strict laws banning pornography in a bid to preserve societal ethics and curb its harmful consequences.
“Renowned psychologists and sociologists worldwide have issued strong warnings about the psychological, sociological, and mental consequences of consuming pornographic content,” Tafoki stated, emphasizing the urgent need for Nigeria to follow suit.
The motion gained overwhelming support from lawmakers, who stressed the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural identity and moral standards. During a voice vote presided over by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the legislators unanimously backed the proposal, highlighting the pressing need to shield citizens—especially impressionable youths—from the dangers of explicit materials.
To enforce the directive, the House urged the NCC to ensure immediate compliance by ISPs and to impose stringent penalties on service providers that fail to adhere to the order. Lawmakers insisted that a strong regulatory framework is necessary to curb the proliferation of obscene content online, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to ethical digital governance.
With this latest directive, the Nigerian government has taken a firm stance against the unregulated spread of pornography, signaling a renewed effort to protect social values and instill discipline in the digital space. The ball now lies in the court of the NCC to act swiftly and enforce the legislative mandate.
PIONEER NEWS 