ABUJA, Nigeria – The House of Representatives has ordered the immediate shutdown of all pornography websites across Nigeria, directing the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce the ban.
The decision was made during a plenary session on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, following a motion sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, the member representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency of Katsina State.
Tafoki, who described the move as a step to “protect societal values,” urged the House to block access to websites hosting pornographic content and sanction internet service providers (ISPs) responsible for enabling such material.
“I would like to move a motion for the need to block internet websites hosting pornographic content and sanction the internet service providers responsible for the posting,” Tafoki said.
“The House notes that cyber pornography is fast becoming a global problem, and no concrete steps have been taken to curb its phenomenon in Nigeria.”
He emphasised Nigeria’s religious and cultural values, stating that all major religions in the country prohibit nudity and obscenity.
Tafoki also cited examples from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where similar legislation has been enacted to ban pornography.
“Renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings that there are psychological and sociological consequences for creating pornographic content,” he added.
“The immediate effects include the promotion of adultery, prostitution, and other promiscuous behaviours, leading to addiction, escalation, and desensitisation, as well as a change of attitude towards oneself and family.”
The motion was adopted by the House, which mandated its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure the directive is implemented.
The committees were given four weeks to report back for further legislative action.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, warned that sanctions would be imposed on ISPs that fail to comply with the directive.
Lawmakers unanimously supported the motion through a voice vote.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some applauding the move as a necessary step to preserve moral values, while others question its feasibility and potential impact on internet freedom.
The NCC is yet to issue a formal statement on how it plans to enforce the ban. However, the directive marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to regulate online content and address concerns over the societal impact of pornography.
