The Nigerian House of Representatives has ordered the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block all pornographic websites in the country. Lawmakers want the NCC to make sure that internet service providers stop access to these websites immediately.
The motion was brought forward by Dalhatu Tafoki, a lawmaker from Katsina State and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said that online pornography is a serious problem and that Nigeria has not done enough to stop it.
“Nigeria is a religious country where most people do not support nudity and indecent content,” Tafoki said while presenting his motion. He also pointed out that many countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have already banned pornography.
Tafoki also mentioned that psychologists and sociologists have warned about the dangers of pornography. He said that watching porn could lead to addiction, encourage bad behavior, and increase social problems like cheating and prostitution.
“Experts around the world have warned about the negative effects of watching porn, including mental and social problems,” he added.
After Tafoki presented his motion, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, asked lawmakers to vote. A majority of them supported the decision.
The House has now directed the NCC to make sure all internet providers block access to pornographic websites. The lawmakers also said the NCC should fine any internet company that does not follow this rule.
This decision may lead to debates among different groups, including digital rights activists, internet service providers, and religious leaders. Many will be watching to see how Nigeria handles this new rule on internet content.
The NCC has not yet said how it will put this order into action.
