The House of Representatives today has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to direct internet service providers in the country to block all websites hosting obscene and pornographic contents with immediate effect.

The lawmakers passed the resolution following a motion sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Katsina state. Moving the motion, Tafoki argued that cyber pornography was becoming a global problem and that Nigeria, which according to him is a ‘religious country’ that prohibits against nudity and pornography, had not taken adequate steps to address it.

The legislator said several countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East had enacted laws banning pornography.

He also cited warnings from psychologists and sociologists about the negative impact of pornography, including its potential to encourage 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.