Reps direct NCC to block all pornographic sites in Nigeria

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 on all internet service providers to block all such contents with immediate effect.

An All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker from Katsina State, Dalhatu Tafoki, sponsored the motion.

Moving the motion leading to the passing of the resolution, Tafoki argued that cyber pornography was becoming a global problem, adding that Nigeria had not taken adequate steps to address it.

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