The House of Representatives has ordered the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to shut down all porn websites across the country.
The lawmakers also directed the Commission to ensure all Internet providers operating in the country obey the directive and punish any who refuse to abide by it.
The order followed a motion by a member of the House, Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa representing Federal constituency, Dalhatu Tafoki, who said the motion was to “protect societal values.”
He cited examples of some countries that had done the same adding that Nigeria being a religious country, pornography is not acceptable by all religious organizations across the country.
He noted that pornography has become a global problem and urged the House to protect morality in the country as done by other nations in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all the major religions in the country forbid nudity and obscenity in any form. Also note that countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have passed legislation that bans pornography in their domains,” he said.
He further said that researchers have explained the psychological and social effects of viewing pornography on the citizens.
“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings that there are psychological and sociological consequences for creating ponographic content.
“The immediate effects of doing ponographic content include a. promotion of adultery, prostitution, and other promiscuous behaviours, leading to addiction, escalation, and desensitisation, change of attitude towards oneself and family.”
Adopting the motion, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass mandated Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to monitor compliance by internet providers and report back to the House within four weeks.
He also warned that failure by any service provider to comply will attract sanctions.
