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The House of Representatives has taken a decisive step in regulating internet content in Nigeria by directing the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to instruct all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to websites hosting adult content immediately.
This resolution was passed during plenary on Tuesday, following a motion sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, a lawmaker representing Katsina State under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The motion emphasized the growing concerns surrounding adult content and the perceived lack of concrete steps taken by Nigeria to address the issue.
While presenting the motion, Tafoki highlighted that adult content poses a serious global concern. He noted that Nigeria, being a highly religious country, should not permit such content, as all major religions in the nation condemn nudity and obscenity.
“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all major religions here forbid nudity and obscenity in any form,” Tafoki stated. He further pointed out that several countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have already enacted laws banning pornography, urging Nigeria to follow suit.
Beyond religious and moral concerns, Tafoki also cited studies from psychologists and sociologists who warn about the harmful effects of adult content consumption. According to him, exposure to such content can lead to addiction, desensitisation, and a shift in personal and family values. He also linked access to adult content with social issues such as adultery, prostitution, and increased promiscuity.
After deliberation, the motion was put to a voice vote, with the majority of lawmakers voting in favor. Consequently, the House instructed the NCC to enforce the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against ISPs that fail to comply with the directive.
To ensure implementation, the House mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to oversee the process and report back within four weeks.
Additionally, Speaker Tajudeen Abass reinforced the House’s stance, warning that any ISP failing to adhere to the directive would face strict sanctions.
If fully implemented, this directive will significantly alter internet access in Nigeria, restricting users from viewing adult content. However, the move may also spark debates regarding digital rights, internet freedom, and the technical feasibility of such a ban.
As the NCC prepares to act on the directive, stakeholders, including ISPs, civil rights groups, and the general public, will be keenly watching how this policy unfolds and its impact on internet regulation in Nigeria.
