Nigerian Lawmakers direct NCC to block all pornographic Web sites

*The Nigerian House of Representatives directs the Nigerian Communications Commission to mandate Internet Service Providers in the country to block all Web sites hosting obscene and pornographic contents, citing damaging effects of viewing pornographic contents on marriages, family life, promoting adultery, prostitution, and dangerous promiscuous behaviour, among others

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In a decisive move to curb the growing menace of cyber pornography, nudity and obscenity in the country’s digital space, the Nigerian House of Representatives, in the National Assembly (NASS), in Abuja, FCT, has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to mandate Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to take immediate steps, and block all Web sites hosting obscene and pornographic contents.

ConsumerConnect reports the Lower Legislative Chamber Tuesday, March 11, 2025, urged the NCC to apply the full rigours of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, and the National Information Technology Development Agency Act to sanction any defaulting Internet Service Providers.

The House of Representatives’ decision on the development was sequel to a motion Hon. Dalhatu Tafoki, a member representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency sponsored during plenary Tuesday.

Tafoki, who led the debate on the floor of the House, averred that that cyber pornography is fast becoming a global problem, and no concrete steps have been taken to curb the phenomenon in Nigeria.

The Federal legislator also submitted that the West African country is a highly religious one, and all the major religions in Nigeria have forbidden nudity and obscenity in any form.

According to Tafoki, countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle-East have enacted legislation that ban pornography in their respective ecosystems.

The lawmaker further expressed concerns that the immediate effects of viewing pornographic contents include causing deception in marriages, which may later on, affect family life; and promoting adultery, prostitution, and many unreal expectations that can result in dangerous promiscuous behaviour.

He equally noted that viewing pornographic contents leads to addiction, escalation, desensitisation, and acting out sexually by one person; and change of attitude towards oneself and one’s family.

Following the debate at the plenary, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the House of Representatives, put the motion to a voice vote, as several lawmakers voted against the motion, but majority voted in support.

The House later adopted the motion.

The Green Chamber of NASS subsequently, mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure the implementation of the motion, and report back to the House in four weeks for further legislative action.