The House of Representatives has called for a nationwide ban on websites hosting pornographic content, saying the sites encourage adultery, prostitution, and promiscuous behavior among citizens.
The lawmakers urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce strict sanctions on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that fail to comply with the ban.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, Katsina State, Hon. Dalhatu Shehu Tafoki, who expressed concern over the rising influence of cyber pornography in Nigeria and its negative impact on society.
Tafoki noted that Nigeria, being a highly religious nation, prohibits nudity and obscenity across all major faiths.
He also pointed out that several countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted laws restricting access to pornographic content, saying Nigeria must follow suit.
He said, “Also aware that renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings on the psychological, sociological, and mental consequences of viewing pornographic content.
“Concerned deeply that some of the immediate effects of viewing pornographic content include: (a) causing deception in marriage, which may later affect family life; (b) promoting adultery, prostitution, and many unreal expectations that can result in dangerous promiscuous behavior; (c) leading to addiction, escalation, desensitization, and acting out sexually by one person; (d) changing attitudes towards oneself and one’s family.”
Adopting the motion, the Green Chamber urged the NCC to direct Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in the country to take immediate steps to block all websites that host obscene and pornographic content.
The House also urged the NCC to apply the full rigors of the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against defaulting Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
It mandated the Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
