The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to ensure the blocking of all pornographic sites in the country.
The House wants the Commission to compel all internet service providers to block all such contents with immediate effect.
Dalhatu Tafoki, an All Progressives Congress (APC), lawmaker from Katsina State, sponsored the motion.
While presenting the motion, Tafoki emphasised that cyber pornography is a growing global concern and noted that Nigeria has not done enough to tackle the issue.
According to him, Nigeria is a “highly religious country” where major faiths preach against and prohibit nudity and obscenity.
The lawmaker went further to state that several countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East had enacted laws banning pornography.
To drive home his point, the Katsina lawmaker made reference to warnings from psychologists and sociologists about the negative impact 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.