DETAILS: Nigeria Moves to Ban PORN as House of Reps Orders NCC to Block All Adult Websites

The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to instruct internet service providers (ISPs) to block all websites hosting pornographic content. This decision, made during a plenary session on March 11, 2025, stems from concerns about the negative impact of such material on societal values and youth behavior.

Key Reasons Behind the Directive:

1. Erosion of Societal and Ethical Values: Lawmakers argue that unrestricted access to pornographic content contributes to the degradation of societal norms and ethical standards, particularly among young people.

2. Promotion of Adverse Behaviors: There is a belief that exposure to pornography can lead to increased rates of adultery, prostitution, and promiscuity, thereby undermining the moral fabric of society.

3. International Precedents: The motion's sponsor, Dalhatu Tafoki from Katsina State, highlighted that several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted laws prohibiting pornography, suggesting Nigeria should follow suit to protect its cultural and religious values.

4. Psychological and Social Implications: Citing warnings from psychologists and sociologists, lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential for pornography to foster addiction and other detrimental behaviors.

Proposed Measures:

Immediate Action by NCC: The House has urged the NCC to direct ISPs to promptly block access to all pornographic websites.

Enforcement and Penalties: The NCC is also encouraged to apply the full extent of the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Agency Act against ISPs that fail to comply with these directives.

Industry Response:

The directive has sparked concerns among industry operators, who argue that such measures could have broader implications for internet freedom and the operations of ISPs.

This development reflects Nigeria's ongoing efforts to navigate the balance between technological advancement and the preservation of cultural and ethical standards.