Reps order NCC to block porn sites, mandate internet service providers to restrict access

In a move to safeguard societal values and combat immorality, the House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) to shut down porn websites across the country.

It also mandated Internet Service Providers(ISP) to block access under the new directive.

The directive was issued by the House during its plenary session on Tuesday.

The motion was sponsored by Rep. Dalhatu Tafoki, the member representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal constituency.

He said: “I would like to move a motion for the need to block internet websites hosting pornographic content and sanction the internet service providers responsible for the posting.

“The House notes that cyber pornography is fast becoming a global problem, and no concrete steps have been taken to cut its phenomenon in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all the major religions in the country forbid nudity and obscenity in any form.

“Also note that countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have passed legislation that bans pornography in their domains.

“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings that there are psychological and sociological consequences for creating pornography content.

“The immediate effects of doing pornographic content include a. promotion of adultery, prostitution, and other promiscuous behaviours, leading to addiction, escalation, and desensitisation, change of attitude towards oneself and family.”

The House unanimously adopted the motion and tasked its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to oversee the implementation, with a directive to submit a report within four weeks for further legislative action.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, issued a stern warning that internet service providers that fail to comply would face sanctions, as lawmakers unanimously approved the motion through a voice vote.