The Nigerian House of Representatives has instructed the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to restrict access to all pornographic sites in the country.
The House also charged the Commission to direct all internet service providers to block all such contents with immediate effect.
The resolution is sequel to a motion sponsored by an All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker from Katsina State, Dalhatu Tafoki.
Moving the motion leading to the passing of the resolution, Tafoki argued that cyber pornography was becoming a global menace, hence the need for Nigeria to take taken adequate steps to address problem.
According to him, Nigeria is a “highly religious country” where major faiths preach against and prohibit nudity and obscenity.
The lawmaker stated that many countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East had enacted laws banning pornography.
To buttress is argument, the lawmaker referenced researches and findings by psychologists and sociologists warning about the negative effect of pornography.
According to him, pornography could lead to adultery, prostitution and addiction.
“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings on the psychological, sociological and mental consequences of viewing pornographic content,” he said.
Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives subjected the motion to a voice vote where the lawmakers voted in support of it.
The House directed the NCC to impose penalties on service providers that fail to comply with the directive.
