- The House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block all websites hosting obscene and pornographic content
- The resolution was passed following a motion sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, a lawmaker from Katsina state .
- The move aims to protect societal values, as Nigeria is a highly religious country where nudity and obscenity are forbidden .
- Many Nigerians have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the ban, citing the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions .
- Some critics argue that the government should focus on more pressing issues, such as insecurity and poverty, rather than policing online content .
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step in addressing the growing concern of cyber pornography in Nigeria. They’ve called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to direct Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block all websites hosting obscene and pornographic content .
This move is aimed at protecting societal values, as Nigeria is a highly religious country where nudity and obscenity are forbidden . The House also directed the NCC to enforce the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against defaulting ISPs.
The motion, moved by Rep. Dalhatu Tafoki, highlighted the alarming rise of explicit content online and its potential harm to individuals and society . The lawmaker cited warnings from mental health professionals about the negative consequences of pornography consumption, including addiction, desensitization, and harm to marital relationships .
To ensure implementation, the House mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to monitor the situation and report back within four weeks .
Nigerian lawmaker Dalhatu Tafoki emphasizes that Nigeria’s strong religious values, shared across all major faiths, condemn indecent exposure and immoral content . He notes that several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted laws banning pornography within their jurisdictions.
Tafoki expresses deep concern about the immediate effects of consuming pornographic content, citing potential harm to marital relationships, promotion of adultery and prostitution, and unrealistic expectations leading to dangerous behavior. He also mentions addiction, desensitization, and changes in personal and family attitudes as potential consequences .
In response, the House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block all websites hosting pornographic content and sanction non-compliant Internet Service Providers . The NCC is expected to enforce the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act to address this issue.
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step in addressing the potential harm caused by explicit content online. By adopting the motion, they’re acknowledging the warnings from experts in psychology and sociology, who highlight the negative effects such content can have on individuals’ mental and social well-being .
Experts like Deborah Glasofer and Claude Mellins emphasize that social media can perpetuate unrealistic expectations, body image issues, and even contribute to eating disorders . Moreover, media representation can shape our perceptions of social identity markers like class, gender, ethnicity, and age groups, often perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing social divisions .
The House has mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure the implementation of measures to address these concerns and report back within four weeks. This move marks a crucial step towards promoting a safer and more responsible online environment.
