By Esi-ife Arogundade
In a significant move to address the rising concerns over cyber pornography, the Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to take immediate action in blocking all pornographic websites across the country.
This resolution was passed following a motion sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, a lawmaker from Katsina State, representing the All-Progressives Congress (APC). During the motion’s presentation, Tafoki underscored the urgency of the issue, describing cyber pornography as a growing global challenge that Nigeria has yet to adequately confront.
He highlighted the nation’s character as a “highly religious country,” emphasizing that both major faiths in the region condemn nudity and obscenity. Tafoki also noted that numerous countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have already enacted laws to prohibit pornography, stressing the need for Nigeria to follow suit.
The lawmaker referenced warnings from psychologists and sociologists regarding the detrimental effects of pornography, which he argued could lead to issues such as adultery, prostitution, and addiction. In response to the compelling arguments presented, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for a voice vote, which ultimately resulted in strong support for the motion among lawmakers.
Following the resolution, the House instructed the NCC to impose penalties on internet service providers that fail to comply with the new directive, signifying a robust legislative step towards curbing access to pornographic content in Nigeria.
