The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission to direct Internet Service Providers to block access to websites hosting obscene and pornographic content.
The call followed the adoption of a motion by Dalhatu Tafoki (APC-Katsina) during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.
While presenting the motion, Mr. Tafoki stated that cyber pornography is rapidly becoming a global issue and that no concrete measures have been taken to address it in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria is a religious country, and all major religions prohibit nudity and obscenity in any form.
According to him, several countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted laws banning pornography.
“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings on the psychological, sociological and mental consequences of viewing pornographic contents.
“Some of the immediate effects of viewing pornographic contents include, causing deception in marriage and which may later on, affect family life.
“It promotes adultery, prostitution and many unreal expectations that can result in dangerous promiscuous behaviour.
“It leads to addiction, escalation, desensitisation and acting out sexually by one person as well as change of attitude towards oneself and his family,” he said.
The House urged the NCC to enforce the full provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against defaulting ISPs.
In his ruling, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
